RPAYC congratulates Greg Jacobs, a member of both Sailability Crystal Bay and the RPAYC, on his success in the Selden for Sailing Lion Island Series. Competing in the Division 2 fleet aboard his Farr 30 Problem Child, Greg won both the Basin Challenge Trophy (PHS) and the Isea Trophy (ORC).
Greg, who lives with a significant and challenging disability, is a regular competitor in RPAYC’s Division 2 racing. Supported by his skilled and able bodied crew, Greg continues to demonstrate the power of inclusion within sailing. Greg’s achievement in the Lion Island Series is a testament to his determination and skill and to the teamwork that is sailing.
Greg would like to acknowledge the invaluable support of his crew, many of whom have come from the DF65 fleet, who help with boat setup and provide tactical insight on the water. He extends his thanks to Mike Cannon (Smilie), Dave Burke, Ron Jacobs, Warwick Crossman, Steve Robson and Raman Flawn. As Greg proudly said, “From Problem Child to Champion Child.”
RPAYC’s commitment to inclusive sailing is further demonstrated through the participation of Sailability Crystal Bay and RPAYC members Linda Buchan with Arthur Spithill, and Brett Stevenson with Simon Bird, who competed equally with sailors without a disability in the Centreboard Summer Series, and in the BYRA Annual Peter Loft Lion Island Marathon in their fast and technical SKUD 18s.
These sailors show the spirit of inclusion at RPAYC where competitive sailing is open to all allowing sailors with and without a disability to compete on equal terms.