HRH The Princess Royal helps UKSA to celebrate at Awards Ceremony

UKSA welcomed over 120 guests to the Royal Yacht Squadron last week as it played host to the inaugural 'Celebrating Achievement' awards. Created to recognise the achievements of the young people that UKSA works with, the awards were presented by UKSA's patron, HRH The Princess Royal.

"We are very privileged to work with some fantastic young people and supporting organisations at UKSA. Tonight we wanted to recognise their successes through these awards. We were absolutely delighted that HRH The Princess Royal was able to join us to celebrate the life-changing experiences many young people have benefited from over the last year at UKSA.." Jon Ely, UKSA Chief Executive

World-renowned sailor Dame Ellen MacArthur, UKSA Ambassador, conveyed her strong support of the work UKSA does to support and train young people, highlighting the positive impact that UKSA has made on so many lives. The event was honoured by other successful sailors including UKSA Ambassadors Shirley Robertson and Hilary Lister, as well as Vendee Globe racers and UKSA graduates Jonny Malbon and Dee Caffari, who was delighted to receive the Exceptional Achievement Award for a UKSA graduate who has achieved to the highest level.

Dee began her yachting career after completing a professional yacht training course at UKSA. She has since gone on to achieve an amazing feat of endurance, stamina, skill and courage, sailing non-stop, alone, around the world in both directions. Dee's success now provides the catalyst for other young people coming to train at UKSA; her achievements show them that everything is possible with hard work and commitment.

The Mary Rose School won the Vision and Achievement Award (sponsored by Dean and Reddyhoff Marinas) for a school or youth organisation that has worked with UKSA to gain outstanding impact and achievement for its young people. The Mary Rose School, based in Portsmouth use PE and sport within the school curriculum as a vehicle to develop and improve learning opportunities for their pupils who have severe learning and physical disabilities.

The Outstanding Progress Award for a young person who, with the help of UKSA is making outstanding progress in life went to Alex Farrar (sponsored by Wight Cable). Alex first came to UKSA on the Prince's Trust 'Get into Maritime' programme, before being part-funded to complete the UKSA 6 week Crew Training course in 2008. Alex is currently working on a 34m sailing ketch in the Mediterranean.

Liz Earle Beauty Co. Ltd sponsored the Inspirational Partnership Award, for an organisation that has fully embraced the UKSA partnership vision gaining benefit for both UKSA and their organisation. This Award was won by Salesforce.com, who have been working with UKSA for the last seven years. Through their pro-active philanthropic Foundation they donate their web based CRM (Customer Relationship Management) product free of charge to UKSA. They have also funded groups of young people from inner city London to benefit from residential experiences at UKSA. View Movie

Congratulations to all our winners and nominees on their achievements, and we hope to continue this event in the years to come.