Dan proves sailing can change young lives as Chase lad lands National Award
A Chase Sailing Club youngster, whose life has been transformed through sailing, has been awarded £2,500 to further his own enjoyment in the sport, plus £5,000 for his club to continue opening doors to young people of all backgrounds and abilities, as a finalist in the inaugural Panerai Challenger Trophy, a new partnership between international watch makers Panerai and RYA OnBoard.
Daniel O’Connor, who turns 12 this month, was invited to the Panerai British Classic Week on the Isle of Wight in July, where the four national finalists enjoyed a sail on the classic Swan 55 yacht ‘Kira’, with RYA Director of Racing, Volvo Ocean Race winner and double Olympic medalist, Ian Walker, before the overall Panerai Challenger Trophy winner was revealed at a prestigious presentation dinner hosted at the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes.
Daniel O’Connor enjoys a sail on the classic Swan 55 yacht ‘Kira’ during the Panerai British Classic Week on the Isle of Wight
RYA OnBoard is the national grassroots scheme making it easier and cheaper to get more young people aged 8-18 on the water by providing low cost sessions through schools, youth groups and families. To be nominated for the Panerai Challenger Trophy, OnBoard sailors must have overcome significant physical, economic or social challenges to achieve something notable within sailing or windsurfing.
Daniel has been involved in RYA OnBoard at Youth Sailing @ Chasewater ever since the quiet lad turned up at the club’s Push The Boat Out open day in 2017 and transformed, excitedly asking endless questions about sailing and boats as soon as he got near the water.
Daniel O’Connor (far right) joins the rest of the Panerai Challenger Trophy finalists plus (back l-r) Ian Walker (RYA Director of Racing), David Murrin (Commodore of the British Classic Yacht Club), Sarah Treseder (RYA CEO) and Philippe de Saint Lager (Panerai UK Brand General Manager) at the presentation
In being awarded Panerai Challenger Trophy Award Scheme grants, all the finalists have demonstrated how sailing has developed one or more of the recognised OnBoard character attributes of creativity, teamwork, communication, determination, independence and confidence. Libby Constance, Youth Sailing @ Chasewater Training Officer, explains what sailing has done for Daniel.
She said: “Being a finalist and receiving this grant is simply life-changing for Daniel, the whole experience has been his ‘Olympic Gold’. Sailing has given him a real sense of purpose and built his self-esteem. He has an invisible disability, meaning his behaviour can be labelled as disruptive and challenging. He finds school difficult and can struggle to cope with everyday life.
“But, at Youth Sailing @ Chasewater Daniel presents a completely different persona. He’s fully committed and enthusiastic about the activities, works hard to help other people, and has risen to every challenge presented to him. Sailing has helped him realise he has talents and abilities and he is now using his skills to support other young people who are learning to sail as part of the school curriculum.”
Daniel continued: “I was amazed when I discovered I had been nominated and awarded this grant. I didn’t think people thought I was good at something. I’m very proud of myself. I know I’m good at sailing and I enjoy the speed of the boat most; it’s fast and I feel calm inside.
“I’m going to buy a racing boat and take out my family and friends or those at Youth Sailing who might need help. I’ll be able to take part in more club races and in different locations, maybe the sea. I want to become a better racer and be in the Olympics!”
Thanks to Daniel’s success, The Chase SC will use its windfall to replace its 30+ years old Topper fleet with up-to-date kit, as the Topper is the club’s junior entry boat and is used extensively in its regular OnBoard activities. Once involved in OnBoard and they have completed their RYA Youth Sailing Scheme ‘Start Sailing’ certificates, all Chase youngsters are encouraged to progress into racing or to become instructors themselves.
Libby added: “This award celebrates the need to recognise difference and diversity and challenges the notion that sailing is elitist, expensive and difficult to access. It emphasises that, with appropriate support, all young people have the potential to participate and Daniel is a great Ambassador.”
Sarah Treseder, RYA Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to recognise Dan’s achievement as a finalist of the first Panerai Challenger Trophy. Despite the difficulties he has faced, he has changed his pathway and is now looking at a really bright future in the sport. Not only has sailing shaped Dan’s ambitions but he has become a role model at his club, volunteering his time and inspiring other young people. We wish him all the best with his future.”
The Chase SC is a recognised RYA Training Centre, meaning it conforms to the highest standards of safety and quality. Since 2005, OnBoard has helped over three quarters of a million young people try sailing and windsurfing and learn an activity that often stays with them for life. Are you a local school or youth group interested in getting your young people OnBoard? Visit www.chasesc.org.uk for more information.