Royal Yachting Association

RYA Press Release March 2006

Sam leaves them in her wake!

A local instructor in narrow-boat handling and navigating the canal system has received a top award for her commitment and success. Samantha Clarke, (33 yrs), from Canalboat Holidays Ltd, near Weedon, Northamptonshire has received the Royal Yachting Association’s Inland Waterways Instructor of the Year award from RYA Chairman, Eddie Ramsden last week at the Dinghy Show at Alexander Palace, London. The Awards recognise those who have shown outstanding commitment, skill and hard work in training others.

Sam Clarke started her boating career hours after birth by living afloat on a Fellows and Morton Boat “Lupin” with her parents. Experience being gained from an early age while on board canal boats with her family. She now works with them in the busy 40 year old family canal boat holidays business and is Principle for their own training school for canal-boat skippers and crew.

Sam Clarke said: “Everyone who takes to the water can benefit from some training in boat handling, safety awareness and navigation techniques – and this adds to the fun of boating! This award credits everyone on our team and I am delighted to receive it!”

Max Thurlow, the RYA’s Regional Development Officer, nominated Sam for the award. Commenting on the citation, Max Thurlow said: “Sam teaches with a confidence gained through a solid understanding of narrow boats and also the canal system.”

The RYA introduced the Instructor of the Year Awards to acknowledge the importance of instructors and coaches within the sailing community. Hosted by David Ritchie, RYA National Sailing Coach and presented by Eddie Ramsden, RYA Chairman, eleven individuals from all parts of the UK and representing all aspects of boating - from powerboating and dinghy sailing to windsurfing - were recognised.

Issued by: Robert Dangerfield, Regional Communicator, Royal Yachting Association, tel: 07973 523075

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