2018 Inaugural Trophy

18 year-old Nicola Stockdale, was crowned the overall winner of the inaugural trophy in 2018 for her volunteering efforts at Debdale Outdoor Activity Club (DOAC). Having lost her father in 2014, Nicola focussed on her sailing, developing her teaching skills and progressing to achieve an RYA Dinghy Instructor qualification.

Over the past few years, Nicola has devoted more than 500 hours to the club, working with younger children and encouraging them to take up mentoring roles. Since winning the Panerai Challenger Trophy (PCT) last year, Nicola has started a Digital Media degree at Leeds University and continues to return to DOAC to volunteer for the club she loves.

She has used the PCT grant to purchase some new equipment, and plans to continue her personal and professional development within the watersports industry by using the rest of the grant to complete her Senior Instructor course and further training.  

“We don’t have a lot of money at Debdale and the grant has allowed us to get new kit for the club which has made a huge difference. We were working with old kit that was really starting to be on its last legs and the kids that sail here want to be able to progress and need modern kit. It’s been incredible for them and they’re so excited to go and try it all out.”

Follow the below link to find out more.

https://www.facebook.com/RoyalYachtingAssociation/videos/winning-the-panerai-challenger-trophy-was-life-changing-nicolas-story/310298143176132/