Following the creation of a new awards programme at the end of last year, to recognise the contribution of industry partners to the sport, the RYA Powerboat Racing Department are pleased to announce that Pertemps Network and Scarborough Borough Council have been selected as the 2015 season winners.
In the category of ‘leading sponsorship of a powerboat racing team’, P1 Superstock racer, Daisy Coleman nominated sponsors Pertemps. Alongside stiff competition, Daisy’s heartfelt nomination really resonated with the judging panel as to just how much the sponsorship by Pertemps meant to her and the team, and how their support has made such a different not only out on the water but in enabling her to follow her passion and build her confidence.
Of their win Kent Thompson from Pertemps Network commented: “We have been a proud sponsor of John Wilson and Daisy Coleman for many years and, as a result, the brand of Pertemps has become synonymous with British Powerboat Racing. It gives us enormous pleasure to see our support being recognised by the RYA.
“After many years of success, it is sad to see John stepping down from the pilot’s seat – he has been a true ambassador for the sport and for Pertemps as a sponsor. However, with a new pilot behind the wheel, Sam Coleman, we are delighted to be continuing our association with P1 SuperStock and supporting the Coleman Racing Team. We wish Sam and Daisy every success in their 2016 campaign.”
In the ‘leading contribution from a host venue’ category it was Scarborough Borough Council who came out on top from amongst a shortlist of very strong competition including; Hull Marina, Stewartby Watersports Club and Visit Wales (Welsh Government).
Nominated by Powerboat P1, the judges were impressed by how the Borough Council wholeheartedly embraced the event and the effort that went in to maximising engagement for the event from the local community, key stakeholders and the media.
Scarborough Borough Council’s Leader, Cllr Derek Bastiman and Cabinet Member for Harbours, Cllr Mike Cockerill, commented: “We are delighted to have won this prestigious Powerboat Racing Industry award from the RYA. To have been recognised for the leading contribution from a host venue is fantastic, but the fact that it was the first time we had ever hosted the event, makes the award even more special.
“A number of departments from across the council worked with the P1 team, Welcome to Yorkshire and industry partners to put on a truly memorable event; one that showcased not only the exhilarating action sport of Powerboat Racing, but also showed off the Yorkshire coast at its very best. Planning is already underway for the return visit of this adrenalin fuelled sport to Scarborough in May, which once again, will be a major highlight of this summer’s event calendar.”
Jeni Jelf, RYA Powerboat Racing Manager commented: “We were delighted with the calibre of the entries we received in both categories, demonstrating exactly how important the work and contribution these organisation and companies have on our sport and for our racers.
“The introduction of the industry awards goes some way to recognise them and we hope over the coming years these awards will go from strength to strength; making the judge’s job even tougher!”
Both of the industry awards will be officially presented at the RYA Powerboat Racing Awards dinner on Saturday 06 February.