This year the Panerai Challenger Trophy – an initiative that recognises outstanding young sailors or windsurfers who have overcome hardship - has been awarded to 16-year-old Ben Tylecote.
The Panerai Challenger Trophy was created three-years ago by luxury watchmaker Panerai together with the RYA’s OnBoard programme as a way to promote the power of sailing and the positive impact the sport can have on young people’s lives.
The 2020 winner, Tylecote, is a keen sailor and member of Rutland Sailing Club since the age of three, who was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma in 2016, a form of cancer in the muscle behind the eye.
Rutland Sailing Club’s commodore said: “Ben’s sailing skills have given him a crucial boost of confidence and positivity during an otherwise very frightening and debilitating time. We are in awe of his courage and determination. Ben brings huge energy, commitment and a sense of fun to every training session, race and event. He is an inspiration to adults and juniors alike.”
Tylecote will receive a grant of £5,000 to continue his development in sailing while his sailing club will be awarded a grant of £10,000 to purchase new equipment to encourage junior sailors or windsurfers to take up the sport. The two runners up, Nieve Ball and George Ford, will also receive £2,500 each along with £5,000 for their respective clubs.
“The club and its community were incredibly supportive. If people were ill they would stay away to allow me to still go sailing. Organised activities like holiday week allowed me to sail even when I didn’t have the energy to race” said Tylecote.
In the three years since the initiative began, Panerai has committed to making a total investment of £120,000 to demonstrate the sport’s accessibility and to inspire the next generation of sailors. Jean-Marc Pontroué, chief executive of Panerai, who oversaw the launch of the initiative, said: “Sailing can unite communities across the world, and we are delighted to partner with the RYA to support young talent for the third year running. Panerai continues its quest to strengthen the links with the sea and community initiatives to nurture this journey into the future.”
RYA Chief Executive, Sarah Treseder said: “Each story speaks of perseverance and hardship, but also of hope and happiness. It was extremely challenging to select the finalist and we hope Ben’s truly inspiring story will help inspire more young people to harness the positive benefits that watersports can bring to a young person’s life."