Leo scoops award as RYA celebrates young talent
Maidenhead Sailing Club’s Wilkinson honoured after successful year
The next generation of sailing talent was celebrated at the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Musto Youth Awards, with 17-year-old Leo Wilkinson from Maidenhead Sailing Club claiming one of the evening's awards.
The awards evening at the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show celebrates the achievements of young people in the sport, whether that be in domestic or international races, volunteering, instructing, coaching or for overcoming adversity.
They were presented by Olympic gold medallist Dylan Fletcher and RYA director of racing, Ian Walker.
Leo was one of four young sailors from the London and South East area who scooped an award for their achievements alongside Ben
Clarke, 16, of Buzz Active, Mia Gray, 14, from Felpham Sailing Club, and Jacob Websdale, 13, from Margate Sailing Club/Hayling Island Sailing Club.
A Topper world junior champion, Leo continues to show tremendous promise in the sport and has more recently branched out into both the 29er and 49er classes.
Reflecting on his success in recent years, Maidenhead Sailing Club wrote: “Leo was selected to represent Great Britain in ‘29ers’ at the Youth World Sailing Championships in Oman in December.
“This is the pinnacle goal of youth sailors. So how did this happen?
“Leo won the Topper World Championships in 2019 and made the rare and direct move from the RYA UK Topper Junior Squad to the RYA UK 29er Youth Performance Squad and is now in his third year in that squad.
“Along the way, Leo and his crew were the 29er Grand Prix National Series winner in 2020/21 and he came third in the 2020 Aero Nationals but was the first junior.
“He also dabbles in RS800, 49erFX, Wing-foiling and Stand-Up Paddle Boarding, and has recently begun sailing the 49er.
“Leo started sailing aged 10 and he’s been volunteering at Maidenhead Sailing Club, coaching youths, and juniors since he was 14.
“He gives as much time as he can, on top of his own training, events and the allimportant schoolwork."
Leo said of his award: “I am happy to get this award – I just love my sailing and enjoy helping other sailors.”
Speaking at the evening, director of racing, Ian Walker said: “Congratulations to all the winners. It’s very impressive hearing what these young sailors have achieved in their lives.
“To have learnt so much about sailing themselves is a huge achievement, but to encourage others into our sport with such passion shows that the future of the sport is in good hands”.
Find out more about junior sailing at www. rya.org.uk/start-boating/ childrens-sailing