Winner of the Panerai Challenger Trophy announced

Sixteen-year-old Ben Tylecote has won the 2020 Panerai Challenger Trophy. 

Created by the Florentine watchmaker Panerai together with the RYA’s Onboard programme, the Panerai Challenger Trophy is designed to promote the power of sailing in positively impacting young people’s lives. The initiative provides grants to young individuals that have overcome physical, economic or social challenges to achieve significant milestones in their sailing or windsurfing.

A keen sailor and active member of Rutland Sailing Club from three years old, Ben was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive cancer when he was 12. Gruelling treatment and surgeries followed including Ben having his eye removed, but sailing was his salvation.

Tylecote’s Club’s Commodore says: “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 received a grant of £5,000 to continue his development in sailing. Rutland sailing club will also receive a grant of £10,000 to purchase new equipment that further supports junior sailors or windsurfers. 

He also received the Challenger Trophy, designed by Bethany Williams, a British designer working primarily with natural, re-useable materials.

The two runners-up, Nieve Ball (Burton sailing club) and George Ford (Walton and Frinton yachting club) will also receive £2,500 each along with £5,000 for their clubs of the Panerai Challenger Trophy.

At the virtual award ceremony, Tylecote graciously led a round of applause and congratulated the other finalists adding: “I really wasn’t expecting this. Nieve and George’s stories were so inspirational, well done to them both. I’m really proud to have accomplished this great milestone, thank you all for the support and for making it real.”

RYA Chief Executive, Sarah Treseder says: “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.”

During this 3-year initiative, 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.