Elaine Westwood was given the Lifetime achievement award by Royal Yachting Association on Friday, 21st November.
Westwood is a member of Chelmarsh Sailing Club. The award was given to 47 British Sailors and Westwood is one of them. The award ceremony took place in Westminster and the award was given on the basis of Commitment to the sport of sailing. Princess Royal, the president of Royal Yachting Association gave a medal and a certificate to Westwood.
Westwood said that when she got the letter that said that she has won the award, she thought that the letter might have reached her by mistake and therefore she checked the name on the envelope. After she realized that she really has won the award, she was ecstatic. She said that the sport has given her a lot. She also said that her best holiday experience was sailing in Greece. She said that people of any age group can participate in this sport. Westwood promoted the sport among the locals and this was crucial for the success of the Sailing Club.
Westwood joined the Club in the year 1986 and she supported both the Social activities and the shore activities of the club. She also does many things for the club. She administers entries, collects fees and records them; she also compiles and publishes race results etc.
The Sport Development Officer of Royal Yachting Association, Mr. Duncan Trusswell has said that there is a huge number of volunteers who are committed to the sport of sailing and its Volunteer Awards are only meant to celebrate that. Mr. Trusswell considers the Volunteers to be essential for the sport. He said that it is for them that many clubs and events manage to keep on going.
Chelmarsh Sailing Club was founded in the year 1965. The Olympic Games Legacy Fund was granted to the Sailing Club in 2012.