Image: Bobby Wadey

The first two places in the 2019 ilovesailing calendar competition have been secured by Colin Pelton from Salisbury, Wiltshire and Bobby Wadey from Portavogie, Co Down.

Picked from amongst some spectacular photos submitted in March, Colin and Bobby’s images really caught the judge’s eyes clinching them the first two spots on the 2020 calendar and a host of other prizes including:

  • Two tickets to the PSP Southampton Boat Show for the official prize giving
  • Afternoon tea at the Holiday Inn for them and three guests following the prize giving
  • Canvas print of their winning entry
  • A copy of the final printed calendar
  • A selection of RYA goodies
  • And of course the much loved ilovesailing rubber duck – which this year is a very sunny yellow.

Speaking of his winning image entitled ‘Sailing the horizon’, Colin commented: “In February, we were running downwind with a heavy following swell along the southern coast of Tenerife.  I saw a yacht perched on the dramatic horizon and, dodging the spray on deck, I popped out of the hatch and took 3 quick shots with my mobile phone. I’m so glad I did.

“As a keen photographer I’m delighted to have an image chosen for the ilovesailing calendar. I was so impressed by the standard of the black and white entries last year that I feel honoured to be in the same company.”

Bobby’s winning picture, entitled ‘Polaris, Star of the Sea’, was taken at dusk in August from Kircubbin Sailing Clubs Rescue Boat during the weekly club racing. “We were at the finish line as Polaris, a 1960’s hand-built wooden Dragon crossed the line in first place.  Built in Killyleagh on the shores of Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland, Polaris is only one of the small Dragon fleet that Kircubbin Sailing Club proudly strives to maintain on the Lough.  A frequent champion of club racing she is raced by father and son team Liam Gilmore and Darren Gilmore.

“It’s fantastic that everyone can fall in love with this picture as much as I have since I took it”, commented Bobby.

Image: Colin Pelton

Now in its 7th year the ilovesailing calendar competition has proved extremely popular with thousands of sailing enthusiasts and amateur and professional photographers who each year share their favourite sailing photos in the hope of claiming a spot on the calendar.

From dinghy cruising to yacht racing, family days out to regattas, whatever kind of sailing you love, ilovesailing is once again asking sailing fans to share their favourite sailing photos and each month two lucky entrants will be picked to win a place on the 2020 ilovesailing calendar.

“All ready the standard of entries is really high making it extremely difficult to choose just two winners to get the competition underway”, commented Emma Slater, ilovesailing co-ordinator.  “I’m really looking forward to seeing all of this year’s entries and seeing the 2020 calendar take shape.”

Two winners will be picked each month between March and July to represent a different month on the 2020 calendar, with the final two spots being selected in August from all the other entries made between March and July.

All you have to do to take part is post your favourite sailing photo(s) on to the ilovesailing Facebook page www.facebook.com/ryailovesailing or email your entry to emma.slater@rya.org.uk, it’s that easy.  Winners will be notified via Facebook and/or email.

Entrants can supply multiple images and can enter in more than one month.  All images need to be high resolution and in landscape in order to fit on the calendar. By submitting a photograph, entrants agree that their images maybe used for marketing and promotional purposes. If selected, entrants will be asked to confirm they have permission to share the photo from any individuals visible in the photograph.  Full terms and conditions available at www.facebook.co.uk/ryailovesailing click on ‘About’.

The 2020 calendars will go on sale at the 2019 Southampton Boat Show in September, where the first 50 people to purchase a copy will also receive a FREE 2019 yellow ilovesailing rubber duck.  Alternatively the calendars will also be available to purchase via the RYA web shop, www.rya.org.uk/shop from 13 September.

As well as the calendar competition the ilovesailing page runs its very popular weekly caption competition, giving you a chance to share your funny, clever and witty captions in a bid to win an ilovesailing duck.

Come along to the page at www.facebook.com/ryailovesailing and get involved.

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