2013 Sultan Qaboos Trophy: won by STA Finland
The Sultan Qaboos Trophy for outstanding services to sail training for young people was presented this year to Sail Training Association Finland on the occasion of the organisation’ 40th anniversary.
The trophy, a gift from His Majesty the Sultan of Oman, was presented by His Excellency Khalid S. Ba’Omar, Ambassador for the Sultanate to Germany and the Nordic Countries, and Commodore Mahfodh Bin Hamood Bin Mohamed Al-Wahaibi, Director General of the Royal Navy of Oman, at the concluding ceremonies of Sail Training International’ 2013 annual international tall ships and sail training conference in Aalborg, Denmark on 16 November.
The trophy was donated to Sail Training International in 2011 together with funding from the Royal Navy of Oman to help 100 deserving young people from around the world take part in STI’ tall ships races and regattas every year.
äóìReceiving the Sultan Qaboos Trophy is of course a great honour for our organisationäó, says Stefan Abrahamsson, Managing Director of STA Finland. äóìOur two ships, Helena and Varine, take more than a thousand young people to sea every year. Winning this prestigious award will be a great encouragement to our many volunteers crew and staff to continue with the work we do.äó
At the same prize giving ceremony, the Sail Training International Loyalty Trophy was presented to Shabab Oman (‘Youth of Oman’) for her participation in The Tall Ships Races. The ship has participated ten times since 1986 and won the race’ prestigious ‘Friendship Trophy’ on every occasion. The Loyalty Trophy was presented to Commander Mohammed Saleh Al Habsi of the Royal Navy of Oman by STI Chairman Doug Prothero.
Paul Bishop, Race Director said, äóìShabab Oman’s exciting replacement is due to be launched next summer so it is highly appropriate that the 2013 Loyalty Trophy goes to her.äó
Other awards
Sail Training International’ other awards recognise a wider range of individuals and organisations that have made a significant contribution to sail training, particularly during the past year.
Young Sail Trainer of the Year
– Tomasz Andraszewicz
Tomasz competed in this year’ Tall Ships Races in the Baltic as a captain of the Polish yacht Urtica at just 21 years of age. Despite his young age he is an experienced sailor having participated in three Tall Ships Races. During this time he has been an outstanding example with his responsible, calm and thoughtful leadership. Award donated by Tom Gotchberg.
Young Sail Training Volunteer of the Year
– Ailish Parham (awarded accepted by Peter Campbell, Chairman of the Swan Trust and Sail Training Shetland)
Ailish became involved with the Swan Trust after a defining moment on a stormy North Sea crossing at the age of 16 where she rose to the challenge and impressed all on board. Her experience encouraged her to become a very active volunteer with the Trust and it soon became apparent to the Skipper and Trustees that she was an exceptional volunteer who appeared to have experience and understanding well beyond her 17 years. She was nominated by the Swan Trust for the skills she has demonstrated and the dedication she has shown to sail training in such a short time. Award donated by the late Janka Bielak.
Sail Trainer of the Year (professional, over 25)
– Captain Sarah Robinson (award accepted by Steve Moss, STI country representative for Australia).
Captain Sarah Robinson started aboar
