Digby sailor recognized with Sail N.S. award
Sharyn Hiscock of the Royal Western Nova Scotia Yacht Club (RWNSYC) in Digby is this year’s recipient of Sail Nova Scotia’s WOW (Women On Water) Pamela Lerch Memorial Cup.
Established in 2007, the award is presented annually to a female sailing leader who demonstrates outstanding achievement in sailing education, leadership, mentorship and health promotion.
“It was a complete honour,” said Hiscock about receiving the award on Nov. 16.
Hiscock has been a very active member of the RWNSYC since she relocated from St. John’s, NL in 2010, reads the awards biography.
“I can honestly say that our club would be a much-diminished place both on and off the water if it were not for Sharyn’s involvement, encouragement of others and perseverance,” said Keith Amirault, commodore of the RWNSYC.
“Sharyn’s experience on the water began with going cod fishing with her father off Bell Island where she grew up,” said Amirault. “She fell in love with sailing instantly on her pre-move visit to Digby when we took her racing on a C&C 37. Upon her move she was immersed in keel boat sailing and racing with zero ease in and shone with her will to learn everything she could.”
When asked what she liked about sailing, Hiscock said
“everything."
"It’s peaceful at times, it’s challenging, you are always learning something new. You’re not just going from point A to point B. You have to figure out to get there in the fastest way."
Amirault said an example of
Hiscock’s “trial by fire" came early in her sailing life.
"In 2012 to encourage women to participate in racing, the club was holding a (women)-only helm race. Never having helmed a race before, Sharyn agreed to drive the C&C 37. When race day dawned, it was blowing 20+ knots. Out to the racecourse a wide-eyed Sharyn drove, and the rest is history!" Amirault said. "She drove an amazing race in very tough conditions including a final three-mile windward beat with the wind against Digby’s tide and has the trophy to reward her efforts.”
Amirault said by now, Hiscock’s sailing includes hundreds of races in the Annapolis Basin as well as at least two victories in the Saint John to Digby race on board Dragonfly.
“Besides the racing and sailing, Sharyn has been steadfastly dedicated to our club’s success. This despite the fact her sailing was mostly waylaid this year due to a back injury. Luckily it appears she will be back on the water next season including organizing our own version of 'Women on Water,'" Amirault said, in which there will be a season long-race series with women only at the helm.
Women On Water was established in memory of Pamela Lerch who passed away from breast cancer in 2007. In addition to the cup award, it has established three permanent bursaries, which encourage women’s health and well-being while increasing their expertise and knowledge of sailing.