B&G Announce Winner of the Brian Black Memorial Award - Sophie Dingwall's Polluted Paradise
by Dulcie Allen, B&G 14 Sep 2021 16:00 UTC
Sophie Dingwall - Winner of the Brian Black Memorial Award © Michael Blyth
B&G®, the world's leading sailing navigation and instrument specialist, is pleased to announce the winner of the Brian Black memorial Award, an award of outstanding marine environmental journalism. The award was presented at Southampton Boat show on Friday 10th September to Sophie Dingwall.
Her article entitled "Polluted Paradise" examined ocean plastic pollution and its devastating effects on Caribbean island communities. Sophie was presented with her award - a cash prize of £2,000 and a donation of £1,000 to an environmental project or charity of her choice, as well as a trophy and commemorative handmade pen.
On winning the award Sophie said, "submitting something so heartfelt was daunting, but it was important to me to convey the right message. I'm honestly chuffed to have my story recognized and be given the opportunity to share it. Winning an award with such a prestigious panel of judges and in memory of Brian and Les Black is a privilege and gives me the confidence to continue with my muse to protect our oceans," she added.
Sophie Dingwall has dedicated her life and career to the water, focusing in recent years on the environmental impacts affecting the oceans by taking part in scientific research programmes around the world. Her winning article will be published in the November edition of Yachting Monthly.
"B&G® would like to congratulate the Brian Black award winner, Sophie Dingwall. This work exemplifies the passion, dedication and effort that is needed to address some of the most pressing challenges facing our oceans. As said so well in the article, 'without the ocean, life simply wouldn't exist.' We believe this can help inspire all of us to do more" said Tara Norton, Chief Sustainability Officer at Navico.
Read Sophie's article in full or find out more information about the award.