VOLUNTEER AWARDS 2018

RECOGNISING OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS WITHIN OUR SPORT

Volunteer Awards

Congratulations

The generosity and dedication of this year’s RYA Volunteer Award winners is simply astounding.

Each one of you listed in this booklet has been nominated by your fellow volunteers, club members and other members of the boating community in

appreciation of a contribution which has exceeded all expectations.

You give your time, commitment and expertise tirelessly year in, year out. You, our army of volunteers, are inspiring generations and creating a lasting

legacy. Without you, our sports would be immeasurably poorer.

I have had the opportunity to meet many volunteers around the UK and it is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable aspects of my job. You are an inspiration to us all and it is my pleasure to recognise and celebrate your

work through these Awards.

Ken FalconUK Laser Association

Ken has been Chair of the UK Laser Class Association (UKLA) for ten years. During this time he has managed its engagement with both the European Laser Class Association and

the Worldwide Class Association and, working with the RYA, the UKLA has helped to ensure the development of the top performing UK Laser sailors on the international stage.

Dealing with many challenging issues, Ken has used his considerable skills to maintain a successful balance within this large and complex class association. He has provided strong management of the Laser Class Qualifiers series, dedicating countless hours to organising, and many weekends to officiating events with up to 300 boats.

Ken’s ‘hands-on’ approach, typical of his leadership style, has also been employed to good effect during three years as President of the National Solo Class Association and four years as Commodore of Paignton Sailing Club.

His tenure as Chair came to an end in August but he remains a shining example of the very positive impact exceptional volunteers can have on the sport of sailing.

RYA Award 2018 – National

RYA Awards are presented to outstanding individuals for their commitment and services to boating and the RYA at a national level.

Dafydd GriffithsRYA Cymru Wales and Red Wharf Bay Sailing & Watersports Club

Dafydd was Chair of RYA Cymru Wales for five years during which time he steered the organisation through a period of management change, willingly

undertaking the considerable amount of additional work this generated.

Serving in a variety of roles for the past 20 years, he has also been a mainstay of Red Wharf Bay Sailing & Watersports Club. From 1998 to 2014 he led the highly successful Junior Sail Training programme, which produced sailors who have been successful at both national and international level and has been critical in introducing new members to the club. Dafydd requalified as a Senior Instructor and combines his professional experience as a teacher with his love for the sport, dedicating much of his free time to the encouragement of youth and new adult members.

Dafydd can often be found helping give people confidence on the water, either in his Laser 2000 or on their own boats and, as a committee member, he is now taking a leading role in creating plans to redevelop the clubhouse to safeguard the club’s future.

RYA Award 2018 – Regional

RYA Awards are presented to outstanding individuals for their commitment and services to boating and the RYA at a regional level.

Mike SamuelsonRYA South

Mike joined Bembridge Sailing Club (BSC) in 1996 after a distinguished career in the Royal Marines. He has fulfilled many key club and Isle of Wight roles, and

was the East Wight RYA South Region Representative until 2017, providing valuable local knowledge to the RYA on Marine Conservation Zone issues.

As BSC’s Honorary Secretary, he represented the concerns of leisure boaters, helping to preserve access for boaters to Bembridge. He introduced and ran training courses, engaged instructors, ensured BSC acquired sufficient RIBs and support boats to safeguard young sailors and insisted that all sailors, however experienced, wore buoyancy aids when necessary. He has been BSC’s Chief Powerboat Instructor since 2000, and PRO for all the club’s keelboat and Illusion racing, ensuring a high quality of courses much appreciated by all those involved. Mike also finds time to be a launching officer for Bembridge Lifeboat.

Throughout his long and extremely valuable service to sailing in Bembridge and East Wight, Mike’s endeavours have helped countless people to learn to sail safely and enjoy the sport at all levels.

Vincent WangVanhang Sailing

Establishing the first RYA Recognised Training Centre in China in 2017, Vincent is a dynamic, inspirational leader who has succeeded in his goal of making China the first country

to deliver RYA training in a foreign language. Working with the Chinese Yachting Association, he forged close communication pathways with the RYA and facilitated the translation of RYA training material in order to maintain the credibility of the training schemes in China and to guarantee that Chinese sailors are fully supported. He achieved this in two years and there are now five RYA bi-lingual publications in use.

Vincent has also developed a Youth Racing Pathway and established a pioneering Racing Academy in China, employing RYA Senior Instructors and Club Racing Coaches; he has also provided opportunities for under-privileged children to participate in the sport. He recently succeeded in attracting the ITCA Topper World Championships to China and also manages the Chinese 49er Squad.

Passionate about sailing, Vincent has a natural leadership style and has shown exceptional tenacity and enthusiasm in his drive to develop the sport in China.

The Francis Elkin Trophy is awarded this year to

Laura Carrick

The Francis Elkin Award is presented each year to an individual who has made a significant contribution in time, effort and personal endeavour to enable people with disabilities to become involved in sailing.

The Francis Elkin Award

Francis Elkin was a former Chairman of RYA Council and a Trustee of Sailability from its inception in 1995 until he passed away in 2001. He worked tirelessly for Sailability and committed his time and energy to ensuring the charity was successful. The Francis Elkin Award was created in his memory.

Laura Carrick able2sail

Laura is the Youth Forum co-ordinator at the charity able2sail, where she ensures that young people with a wide range of additional needs are supported to access sailing and gain certification through the RYA Sailability Programme. Despite working full-time, Laura has volunteered for the charity for 12 years and shown exceptional commitment. She organises the summer programme, which includes weekends away on the West Coast of Scotland, and spends many hours every week collecting sailors in her car, taking them to sailing venues, supporting them on the water and taking them home. Many of the Youth Forum members come from disadvantaged backgrounds and would never, without Laura, get access to the sport or the health and social benefits that it brings them.

Laura has undertaken a great deal of training herself in order to help support the young sailors and now has Day Skipper, Start Racing, dinghy and powerboat qualifications. She is also a core part of the charity’s fundraising activities, not only applying for funds, but also undertaking sponsored events herself. Most recently, she did a sponsored cycle and sail from Glasgow to the north tip of the Outer Hebrides. This non-stop endurance event

lasted five days, covering hundreds of miles on a bike and countless hours at sea. Through this event alone she raised approximately £15,000.

In 2017, with her support, four members of the Youth Forum represented the Scotland West Team at the Special Olympics in Sheffield, winning two silver medals and one bronze. The team then won the 2018 RYA Sailability Team of the Year and has been chosen for Team GB at the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi.

Laura’s passion for helping people, and her selfless commitment, are truly inspirational. Her volunteering ensures that many young people, often from socially isolated lives and with few prospects, become confident, qualified and competitive sailors who can themselves mentor new members of the group.

The RYA Family Award is presented to a family group deserving of recognition for the impact they have made both as individuals and collectively. Their contribution supports the aims of the RYA at club, national or international level and, as a result, benefits our sport.

RYA Family Award 2018

The Riley FamilyWest Kirby Sailing Club

Granddaughter Jemima has grown up in the club and is now one of its finest helms. For the last 15 years she has helped with the running of club team-racing events and as Sailing Secretary has organised the busy programme, coordinated results and helped with race management.

Former junior sailors, grandsons Sam and Nick have been members of the rescue boat crews and also help in the running of the boatyard. Sam extended the family range of expertise to include RIB handling to RYA Championship level.

In a club almost entirely dependent on volunteers, the Riley family epitomises the volunteer spirit. Over the years, the club has developed a training regime from novice level to cover all aspects of sailing and small boat handling. It is now usual to see a mixture of dinghies and tidal boats out on the Dee, youngsters at the helm. The Riley family has been at the centre of this evolution.

Three generations of the Riley family have been involved in West Kirby Sailing Club since 1947 when grandfather Gerald became a junior member. He and his late wife Margery brought up all six of their children to be active sailors of the Hilbre one-design fleet and involve themselves in all aspects of running the club.Still sailing, Gerald has given up his time to perform a number of key roles including Official Starter, Sailing Secretary, Flag Officer and, from 1998 to 2003, President. He was honoured by the club with Life Membership in 2011. He has also played a vital part in the maintenance and development of the Hilbre fleet, carrying out and leading restoration and repair projects and providing advice to other fleet owners, so helping the Hilbre Association to thrive into its 60th year.

Sons Chris and Tim have both been members since the 1970s, as has daughter Helen and later her husband Tony; all have sailed successfully in the Hilbre fleet, as well as playing a vital role in its maintenance. Like his father, Chris has served the club in a number of key roles, including as Commodore, and has been actively involved in race management and the development of major team-racing events.

Nigel BarracloughLittleton Phabsail

Nigel has volunteered at Littleton Phabsail for 20 years and has been providing vital support as its Maintenance Officer since 2013, looking after virtually all

the club’s equipment. Over the years he has helped with most, if not all, aspects of running the club and is a respected Trustee of the charity.

An experienced, capable sailor, he delights in taking disabled sailors out on the water and passing on his considerable nautical skill. Having a great empathy with new or nervous sailors he patiently spends time encouraging and reassuring them until they gain confidence. He has taken time off work to take Phabsail sailors on a wheelchair-friendly catamaran from Port Solent to the Isle of Wight and back to experience sailing on the sea, making an unforgettable experience for all.

A volunteer at two other sailing clubs as well, Nigel has a determination to achieve, a drive to work hard and the compassion to help others.

Michael BatchelorClevedon Sailing Club

Michael first joined Clevedon Sailing Club in 1993, and soon became an active member who has served the club in a variety of committee roles including Cadet Officer and

Bookings Secretary. As Commodore, he worked tirelessly to raise the profile of the club and identify development opportunities. He has been instrumental in obtaining two substantial Sport England grants towards the refurbishment of the changing rooms and boat storage facilities, together with the acquisition of new training dinghies. The grant application meant he spent many hours trawling through County records to establish slipway ownership.

Michael regularly races his Solo and is a Powerboat and Dinghy Instructor, working closely with the club’s Training Principal to run RYA courses, giving sailors of all ages confidence in sometimes challenging conditions of wind and tide.

Positive and enthusiastic, Michael’s commitment to sailing and the club is unquestionable. He always has the club’s interests at heart, and never hesitates to lend a hand with projects, large or small.

RYA Community Awards 2018 Lifetime Commitment

Victoria BrownCoquet Shorebase Trust

Vic was fundamental in setting up the Coquet Shorebase Trust (CST) in 1992 and has been instrumental in managing this RYA Training Centre for the last eight

years as voluntary Operations Manager and Principal Instructor.

She provided the club with new first class facilities at Ladyburn Lake by securing £75,000 of funding. Prior to this the windsurfing and sailing club had to trailer all its equipment to the lake. The funding provided for a purpose-built building and the necessary equipment to provide access for all abilities, from beginner to serious national competitors and to host major events. Additionally, she has recruited, trained and mentored two local apprentices to Instructor standard, she runs activities for local disadvantaged youths and disabled children to show them what they can achieve, and has made sailing and windsurfing truly open to all.

Without Vic, there would be no CST and there would be a huge gap in the lives of those who have benefitted from her foresight, hard work and dedication.

Valerie BeacockConiston Sailing Club

Valerie joined Coniston Sailing Club in 1990. She was elected Commodore in 2008 and then became Sailing Chair and a Trustee in 2015. An RYA Training Principal since 2014,

she was instrumental in the club becoming an RYA Recognised Training Centre and has organised junior sail training sessions each season, as well as a successful junior training week, receiving excellent feedback from both parents and participants. Her training courses were so popular that numbers increased year on year, so she also arranged adult training to Instructor level to ensure sufficient instructors were available.

Her endeavours have resulted in some young sailors progressing to RYA Zone Squads and achieving significant results at National and World Championship level.

Valerie’s enthusiasm, commitment and generosity have had a huge impact on the juniors. She is on the beach and on the water with the Instructors and the juniors at every training day. She is an exceptional role model and an inspiration to them all.

Mike ChildsPortsmouth Offshore Group, Civil Service Sailing Association

Mike has been Commodore of the Portsmouth Offshore Group, Civil Service Sailing Association for 16 years and was previously an active member of the management

committee. He has dedicated an enormous amount of hours to the club and been pivotal in steering it through an extraordinarily challenging period; in the safeguarding of its site, the development of its facilities and the growth of its membership, setting the foundations for today’s successful operation.

Running the club’s handicapping system he handicaps both the skipper and boat, ensuring members new to racing stand a chance of getting their hands on the silverware and sets the tone for the day by insisting that all race protests must be accompanied by a bottle of champagne!

Community-spirited, hands-on, capable, congenial, and committed, Mike is an excellent leader whose example of tireless voluntary work will be extremely difficult to follow.

Graeme CastleBanbury Sailing Club

Graeme, a member of Banbury Sailing Club (BSC) since 2001, has made an outstanding contribution to its junior sailing section. From its instigation, he has served as Senior Instructor for

over ten years, encouraging youngsters to take up racing and progress to the RYA Zone Squads and national events. He has developed an exceptional instructor training programme, race and team-racing coaching and also devotes his time in his role as a Coach Assessor for other clubs.

Invaluable to BSC, he has served as Sailing Secretary, assisted with grant applications and provided vital input into the development plans for the clubhouse, yet still found the time to step in at the last minute to organise the hosting of the 2017 NSSA Team Racing Championship at the club. The event delivered 150 races over two days and ran like clockwork, largely due to Graeme’s leadership.

Graeme does all this in a very modest and disarming way. His contribution to the sport at grass roots level is exceptional.

Jennie ClarkRipon Sailing Club

Involved with Ripon Sailing Club for over four decades, Jennie has held multiple flag officer positions as well as being Commodore. Her achievements in securing grant

funding and the efficiency she brings to the club, have ensured it runs on an even keel and will be enjoyed by future generations.

Since 1987, Jennie has helped define the club’s Youth & Junior sailing and is still a big supporter and enabler championing the need to make sailing assessable to all. She has dedicated a lot of time and effort into building the RS Feva fleets in the region and was instrumental in setting up the inaugural NE Regional Youth Sailing Championship in 2017, now an annual event and adopted as best practice.

Jennie helps connect people and clubs to share experiences and learnings. The club is well respected at home and abroad as the youngsters who are the product of her unstinting efforts travel worldwide in pursuit of the dream that Jennie has helped them realise.

Richard CornahWest Kirby Sailing Club

Richard has been an active member of West Kirby Sailing Club, since 1984, serving on various club committees and becoming one of the club’s youngest Commodores,

bringing innovation and development throughout his tenure.

He has continued to contribute in many ways, encouraging youth organisations to become involved with the club, working on IT development and rewriting the club’s rules. He is heavily involved in team racing and he and his wife Jane are always willing to help with the Club’s affiliated university groups as well as ‘homegrown’ sailors. A successful international competitor himself in the 2.4 metre fleet, when not racing he dedicates long hours on the water as course manager and mark layer.

Richard has been instrumental in ensuring participation at the club and provides valuable advice on anything from boat repairs to matters of governance and strategic initiatives. Now a club trustee, his input over 30 years epitomises the true volunteer spirit.

Bob ElliottTonbridge Town Sailing Club

During 35 years’ membership of Tonbridge Town Sailing Club, Bob has been at the forefront of the club in a number of prominent roles. As an RYA Dinghy Instructor and

Powerboat Instructor, he has supported and encouraged two generations and hundreds of new sailors with patience and good humour, as generous with his encouragement of the adults as he is with the children.

Always on hand to offer ‘have a go’ sessions and support the club’s Open Day, Interclub and social events, he has also administered the annual camping week for 25 years and organises the highly successful and fun monthly Junior Club. His gentle demeanour, big personality and friendly rapport making him the focal point of these sessions.

Bob has shown an extraordinary amount of dedication to the club and remains to this day at the centre of everything. If the club is open for business, Bob makes it his business to be there.

David FinchSilver Wing Sailing Club

David has been a stalwart member of Silver Wing Sailing Club (SWSC) for over 60 years, having twice taken the role of Commodore, competently

steering the club through turbulent times.

A meticulous planner, he was instrumental in the design and construction of a new clubhouse some 40 years ago. More recently, negotiating to save the site from a proposal for a flood relief channel and in 2017 renegotiating a new 30 year lease to secure the club’s future.

Crewed by his late wife Robyn, David was an accomplished Enterprise sailor and together they were successful in many national events. He was also a frequent and familiar face at the annual World Airline Sailing Championship.

As an RYA instructor, many of the club’s members started sailing through David’s careful and detailed training schemes. Now still sailing and active in his late 80’s he continues to inspire newcomers to the club.

Without David, SWSC would likely not exist today or be such a fine place to sail. He remains ‘the legend’ behind the club.

Dave GordonHastings & St Leonards Sailing Club

Dave has been a member of Hastings & St Leonards Sailing Club for 35 years, a Coxswain for ten and sits on the Sailing Committee.

An experienced and active Dinghy Instructor he volunteers on adult and youth training courses, willingly driving the RIB, taking out, mentoring and recovering trainees from the beach. He is a keen Miracle sailor but is the first to step in as OOD or on safety duties at short notice, if required, and regularly contributes to the club’s social activities.

Since retiring from his engineering career 16 years ago, Dave has also taken on the role of fixing and maintaining just about anything mechanical or floating in the club, quietly carrying out a host of essential practical jobs that keep it running.

Dave is the backbone of the club. His diligence and good humour have been crucial in enabling it to prosper and, in recognition of sterling work, he was made an honorary member in 2015.

David GreenfieldFrampton on Severn Sailing Club

David has been a passionate supporter of Frampton on Severn Sailing Club for 36 years, holding almost every primary role within it. A Dinghy Instructor, RYA Race Trainer,

Senior Instructor and Disability Awareness Instructor, he was also the crucial liaison link between the club and the Frampton Estate in negotiating a recent lease extension and handling plans for extensive club development. Representing the club to the local community he has ensured the best possible working relationship with other users of the lake.

With a long-term vision to make sailing available to everyone, he incorporated Sailability into the club in 2000, building it up to become a recognised Sailability Centre that represents 25% of the club’s membership and supports a fleet of accessible boats. His extremely successful fundraising has provided for the purpose-built facilities for disabled members and is ongoing.

Still a keen sailor, David dedicates most of his time to bringing the sailing experience to others and is an outstanding ambassador for the sport.

Alison HusbandRoyal Lymington Yacht Club

Ali joined the Royal Lymington Yacht Club in 1982 when she bought her first boat and has been sharing her lifelong love of sailing with youngsters ever since. With

an invaluable wealth of knowledge of club history and protocols, Ali’s contribution has been wide-reaching. She has attracted support funding from local companies and was influential in the completion of a major pontoon replacement project.

Now a Senior Instructor, she started to help at the club’s Wednesday Junior Sailing scheme when her children were old enough and, in 2013, became its Head working with the RYA Club Principal and volunteers to ensure the success of weekly sailing sessions for over 100 children aged 8 to eighteen. The focus is on having the maximum amount of fun whilst learning to sail safely and to encourage the older participants to gain teaching qualifications too.

Ali leads these sessions with boundless enthusiasm and great competence, engendering much respect from the sailors, volunteers and staff alike.

Sue HeadNorfolk Schools Sailing Association

A committed volunteer with Norfolk School Sailing Association (NSSA) since 1998, Sue has dedicated her time as Treasurer and Membership Secretary and continues to run a tight ship as Volunteer Co-ordinator.

An RYA Dinghy Instructor, Senior Instructor and Coach Assessor, she has the expert skills to engage young people in learning to sail, helping them understand that it’s about building ability and confidence and not just passing through levels. The quality of her teaching is impressive for both juniors and adults and she also implements training days for other volunteers to assist with key functions and roles, while keeping a keen eye on safeguarding.

Her fine-tuned system demonstrates the importance of thoroughness, great organisational skills and building meaningful relationships but you are just as likely to find Sue grafting away, cleaning wetsuits or clearing a slipway, all with the key aim of promoting inclusive and accessible sailing in Norfolk and it’s all done with tireless enthusiasm and a smile.

Judy LambourneHeart of England Offshore Cruising Association / RYA Midlands

Judy joined the Heart of England Offshore Cruising Association in 1995 and quickly became involved in its management, fulfilling Training and Supplies roles before becoming

Rear Commodore Cruising in 2002. As such, she organised and added two extremely popular rallies to the cruising calendar, one cross-channel and the very successful Mediterranean rally each September providing opportunities for members to sail offshore regardless of experience.

Since becoming the club’s first female Commodore in 2015, she has instigated many improvements including formalised committee roles, the launch of a new website, a planned communication programme, up-to-date electronic newsletters and a bi-annual membership survey. In addition, she has encouraged active co-operation with the RYA Midlands Regional Volunteer Team, as Cruising Representative, as well as introducing sailing awards for members.

Judy is the heart of the club bringing tremendous enthusiasm, drive and dynamism to any role she undertakes and uses her business skills to ensure the club continues to develop and thrive.

Anthony LunchOxford University Yacht Club

Tony has been a stalwart of Oxford University Yacht Club (OUYC) for more than 50 years, both as a student and alumnus of the University. He served as Commodore, Vice President and

President, a post he held for 17 years, before retiring from the committee in February 2018, providing a strong continuity to the club where the members change every 3-4 years. As a Life Member, he provides financial and logistical support to the students, ensuring that donations have been used appropriately to purchase boats and support student sailing.

A passionate and engaged supporter, he has organised Varsity matches, hosted training events, facilitated participation in Cowes week and raised the international profile of OUYC through an exchange programme with students in Japan.

With his infectious enthusiasm, Tony has ensured OUYC remains the home for all Oxford sailors, irrespective of their discipline or experience within the sport. His commitment to the club has been total and spans every aspect of club activity and life.

Hector MorrisUpper Thames Sailing Club

Hector joined Upper Thames Sailing club in 1975 as an active sailor in the Wayfarer fleet and served as Treasurer for over 10 years. His prudent accounting was crucial in

keeping the club finances in good health through some trying times and he worked tirelessly as a Trustee when the club was affected by nearby development.

For 23 years, his services on the Wednesday night race team helped build the popularity of the club’s mid-week sailing and he was instrumental in putting a training programme in place for the children of members. When he felt his active sailing days were over, he sold his beloved wooden Wayfarer and bought three Toppers for the club cadets. Those first club boats began a process that culminated in the annual Junior Bourne End Week which sees 80 youngsters enjoying sailing on the Thames.

Hector has always enjoyed seeing sailors develop and evolve and his contribution to them and the well-being of the club has been immense.

Shirley NellthorpeOffshore Racing Drivers Association

As an RYA Offshore Powerboat Race Secretary, Shirley has supported both national and international powerboat racing events for 20 years. She held the role

of RYA Commissioner in 2015, when her knowledge of the rules, garnered over many years, proved invaluable when attending events on behalf of the RYA.

She has expertly led many Race Control Teams, working tirelessly to organise successful powerboat racing events with all the multitude of duties that entails; visiting venues, undertaking risk assessments, working with race officials, liaising with local authorities, communicating with the media to ensure they are promoted and providing support in the preparation of detailed documentation for international events.

Shirley gives her time willingly and without question. She continues to share her wealth of knowledge and experience, not only with the club, but also with other clubs and the British Powerboat Racing Club and excels in her role, ensuring all participants have a safe and thrilling time on the water.

Tom PowerRudyard Lake Sailing Club

Tom joined Rudyard Lake Sailing Club in 1986 and was always keenly interested in training and promoting all aspects of sailing to other members.

Instrumental in establishing the club as a Recognised Training Centre, he became the first RTC Principal in 2003, actively fulfilling the role for 13 years. He ran RYA shorebased and practical courses and ensured sustained growth in adult and junior training. He organised regular coach trips to the London Boat Show, helping to get members interested in sailing yachts, as well as dinghies and organised monthly sailing lectures for club members.

As Operations Manager he used his great organisational ability to keep the clubhouse and site well maintained for 15 years and led key projects in its redevelopment including a new rescue boat storage facility with sail loft and bosun workshop.

Sadly, Tom died in June after a lifetime of exceptional commitment and dedication to his club. His sense of humour will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on.

Brenda ReadRYA East Region

Brenda has been a passionate member of Orwell Yacht Club since the late 1960s and has served on the Management Committee for 20 years, excelling in her years as

Commodore and Social Secretary, when her organisational flair produced a varied programme of entertainment year upon year.

Active on many other committees in support of sailing and the environment, she has been Chair of the Harwich Area Sailing Association and a highly-valued member of the RYA East Region Committee, contributing significantly to regional decisions and a driving force on building relations between the Committee, the RYA East Integrated Team and other organisations. She was largely responsible for rolling out the RYA East Region Action Plan and has been a leading member of the Port User Group.

With her enthusiasm, dedication and wise council, Brenda continues to support yachting and the environment in the Suffolk and Essex area. She is an exceptional ambassador for the sport.

Tim SnellgroveGlossop Sailing Club

For 30 years Tim has been an active member of Glossop Sailing Club serving on the Executive Committee for 20 of those. As Commodore, he was at the forefront of

significant management and infrastructure changes and created the club’s first development plan.

Noting the lack of junior members and being a keen windsurfer, he worked hard to expand the junior section, both for windsurfers and dinghy sailors, first by undertaking to become an Instructor himself, then by negotiating local grants so other members could train as Instructors. The junior club is now a vibrant activity engaging with the local community and the junior sailing camp is a much anticipated annual event.

Tim’s vision and leadership has meant there have been Glossop windsurfers in the RYA Zone Squad for the past five years and in Team15 events for even longer. His infectious enthusiasm has encouraged many parents to learn to windsurf alongside their children and, crucially, member recruitment has been revitalised as a result.

Mark SomervilleBassenthwaite Sailing Club

Mark joined Bassenthwaite Sailing Club 40 years ago and became Assistant Sailing Secretary aged 16. Since then he has held a variety of roles including numerous

terms as the Grounds and Jetties Chairman. As Vice-Commodore he was twice responsible for co-ordinating the club’s annual regatta, encompassing nine days of racing, ten nights of social activities, 200 boats and over 300 visitors on site. Always first to step in when a crisis occurs he has even donned his drysuit to rescue members’ boats and club equipment during flooding and subsequently oversaw flood remediation plans for the club.

A talented sailor who travels to open meetings to represent the club, he is also more than happy to offer new members a trial sail, advice or guidance and a warm welcome.

Mark is a magnificent ambassador for the club and sailing, admirably generous with his time. He has shown exceptional and unfaltering commitment to the club, its members and the sport.

George TernentRiver Aln Boat Club

George is one of three people who founded the River Aln Boat Club in the 1970s when, after sailing his yacht across the Atlantic, he realised he couldn’t enter a

sailing club in the Bahamas because he was not a member of a yacht club. Returning, he rectified this by securing the original tenancy and mooring rights that allow the club, as it is today, to exist.

Since then, he has always been involved in the Committee and improving club facilities. He still actively organises and referees the dinghy racing, come rain or shine and sails his 17ft keelboat single-handed, often showing new crew what to do. His commitment is exceptional; as well as being involved in arranging and running the club’s RNLI fundraising events to which some 400 people attend, he also finds time to cut the grass in the dinghy park.

George has engendered a fantastic community spirit and encouraged new members to get sailing. He is the backbone of the community in Alnmouth.

Rev David ThompsonLiverpool Sailing Club / Harbour Challenge, Poole

David was a long-standing member of Liverpool Sailing Club (LSC) and then of Leigh & Lowton Sailing Club before he was appointed vicar at St Michael’s

and moved to Poole. An active dinghy sailor and competitive racer, he soon volunteered at Harbour Challenge, a local charity in Poole to help disadvantaged children, as a Sailing Instructor before retiring and returning to LSC as Chief Sailing Instructor.

There he worked tirelessly to develop training, firstly with four adult members taking them through all levels to become Dinghy Instructors, then in identifying and training a group of juniors who are now accomplished dinghy racers and enthusiastic Assistant Dinghy Instructors and are progressing towards becoming Dinghy Instructors. His sailing courses over the years have been instrumental in encouraging and qualifying many new members.

David is the absolute salt of the earth and his contribution to the LSC and Harbour Challenge, for which he is still a Director and Trustee, has been outstanding.

John WarnerNorthampton Sailing Club

John joined Northampton Sailing Club in 1975 and has been a successful, active racer in the GP14 to the present day. In 2000 he joined the General Committee taking on

the role of Rear Commodore Site which he still holds, devoting a huge amount of time and energy into maintaining the whole site and providing the ideal environment, not only for sailing but for the wildlife, particularly the birds for which Pitsford Water is renowned.

Regularly organising projects to upgrade the site’s facilities he also quietly goes about a myriad of jobs behind the scenes and makes contributions to fundraising by refurbishing and selling abandoned boats or donating them to families to encourage participation.

John is a constant friendly face around the club, willing to help with any job, welcoming new members, and always ready to share a story. He has made an immeasurable contribution as a volunteer, is a fantastic role model and is held in the highest regard.

Nick WatersStaunton Harold Sailing Club

Nick joined Staunton Harold Sailing Club in 1995 and has played a key role in the club’s development including its success in gaining substantial grant awards, its significant facility

and fleet development, a 50% growth in membership and securing the RYA Club of the Year award.

Involved in many committee roles, he initiated and has maintained the ten-year development plan and overseen the modernisation of the club facilities. He is also the ‘go to’ man for anything of a legal or historic nature to do with the club, a very active Dinghy Instructor and successful Laser sailor, particularly in light winds.

Nick’s greatest strength is his ability to put together a clear, accurate case for whatever needs to be done, and move things carefully forward until they are agreed, without ruffling feathers along the way. Totally dedicated to the club and its members, his fantastic people skills and his calm and professional approach exert a massive positive influence.

Christopher Wolley MBERona Sailing Project

Chris’ involvement with the Rona Sailing Project (RSP) started in 1967, as a 19-year-old trainee. He became a Skipper in 1975 and 22 years later, a Trustee, playing a major

role in leading and modernising the Project, updating training and promotion procedures which ensure the boats are always operated safely and with good seamanship.

A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, he has enabled the RSP to become more accessible to young people and vulnerable adults. He was the first skipper to lead an all-girl crew on an RSP voyage and, recognising the benefits of using sailing to improve and support mental health worked hard to introduce a range of special voyages for individuals with mental health problems thus instigating RSP’s Sailing for Mental Health Programme.

Chris has touched many lives with his commitment to sail training; many young people now volunteer due to his caring and positive influence. He inspires people to be the best they can be and to think of others before themselves.

Mark AitkenWarsash Sailing Club

Mark became involved with Youth Sailing at Warsash Sailing Club in 2008 when his eldest son learned to sail. In 2009 he became ‘Kipper King’ organising the

sailing sessions for the younger age groups, before also taking responsibility for the older Cadets. By consolidating the two groups into a single Youth entity, he increased the number of participants and decreased the rate of attrition. Securing club funding for new boats he organised sessions by Class, basing the criteria on ability and size rather than age, ensuring all the sailors had fun whilst the older sailors also received top coaching.

A firm believer in family participation, he persuaded other parents to gain RYA instructor certification and encourages youth sailors to participate in club racing and traveller / open events.

Mark is a great ambassador for the club, he is welcoming to new members, sits on the Sailing Committee, is an active dinghy sailor and his drive and vision over the years have built an exceptional youth section of 150 active sailors.

Stuart CampbellRedesmere Sailing Club

As Commodore, Stuart began by devising a ten-year plan and balloting the membership on whether to move to another location or make the necessary investment needed

to remain on-site. With the decision made to stay, he re-negotiated the lease and researched and supervised the project to dredge the lake and extend the foreshore. He introduced, and often leads, winter working parties to maintain the clubhouse and landscape.

Under his leadership, the calendar is full throughout the week during the sailing season with sessions ranging from Juniors and Sea Scouts to “Ladies that Launch” and “Family Fun Fridays”. He modernised the club’s digital and communications systems and submitted the bid that resulted in the club becoming RYA Club of the Year in 2016. He then went on to lead the club’s 60th anniversary celebrations in 2017, which included a visit by HRH The Princess Royal. Stuart is continuing to develop further initiatives and the club has been revitalised through his drive and leadership.

RYA Community Awards 2018 Outstanding Contribution

Peter ConnollyWelton Waters Adventure Centre

The Centre promotes inclusivity and Peter, often not knowing what will be asked of him on a particular day, is always calm and flexible, engendering the trust and respect of all

those with whom he comes in contact. As well as helping staff, volunteers and visitors, the Centre also benefits from Peter’s expertise in health and safety practices.

Having gained his PB2, Safety Boat, Level 2 sailing and Keelboat qualifications, he is currently an Assistant Instructor and really shines when working with primary age children; he is a natural teacher with a wonderful talent for encouraging children of any background or ability to open up and enjoy the experiences on offer, even in the worst of conditions.

Peter always has a kind word for everyone and his enthusiasm and willingness to learn inspires others. A true gentleman, he is one of those rare characters who always adds something to the day and is always missed when he leaves.

Keith Clayworth and Don McDermottDelph Sailing Club

Since the 1980s, windsurfers Don and Keith have been active members of the club: Don became a Dinghy Instructor and Bosun, keeping safety boats up to standard, mark laying and assisting with the delivery of powerboat courses; Keith applied his practical skills to sourcing materials and undertaking the multitude of tasks so vital to the smooth running of a club.

However, when they retired their club activities increased exponentially and the two member “Thursday Club” was born. Together, they have ensured that the club can function, from maintaining the fabric of the clubhouse to undertaking mechanical, electrical, and health and safety projects, both on and off the water. They have taken on jobs large and small, from re-booting the weather station when it fails through to laying tonnes of scalpings, reconstructing the plumbing and re-insulating and re-cladding the clubhouse.

Don and Keith are ‘behind the scenes’ men of action whose achievements have been crucial to the very fabric of Delph; the club would be in an infinitely poorer state without these two extraordinary men.

Val and Neville KhambattaNorfolk Punt Club

With humour and enthusiasm, for 25 years Val and Neville have actively supported the training of adults and young people in both sailing and powerboating on the Norfolk Broads.

Val has been on the Norfolk Punt Club committee for 14 years and was Commodore in 2005. As Training School Principal she organises the annual Junior week, runs first aid training and advises the committee on health and safety standards. Neville was Commodore in 2013, has taught sailing at the club for as long as members can remember, and plays a major role in looking after the club’s boats.

Most recently, they initiated ‘Social Saturdays’, offering sailing and social opportunities to both members and non-members. As a direct result, the Punt Club has gained new members, some of whom are now taking an active role in the club. As well as being mainstays of the club, they also support local sailing charities – Val has been a Trustee of the Nancy Oldfield Trust since 2008, and Neville has been a Trustee of Hunters Yard since 1994.

Tony EvansLymington Town Sailing Club

Tony joined Lymington Town Sailing Club in 2005. In 2012 he began organising the children’s Saturday morning sailing at nearby Salterns Lake. The lake is just one metre deep and he wades out up to his

waist to be by the side of beginners as he helps them gain confidence. As a result of the work he has done, the number of children registered for Salterns sailing has increased from 25 to 62 and families have joined the club specifically because of the reputation he has built.

Tony has persuaded the club to invest in boats that will enable the Salterns sailors to ‘graduate’ to the Lymington River and the Solent, developing a pathway towards continued participation, and has also arranged for eight of his helpers to take Assistant Instructor courses. His incredible ability to organise and inspire have helped to increase club membership and ensure that more and more children are learning to sail in a non-pressurised, family-friendly environment.

Andrew LucasBristol Corinthian Yacht Club

Andrew has been supporting, leading and coaching the Axbridge Animals Team15 windsurfers at Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club for over ten years. It is testimony to

his dedication and excellent coaching that the youngsters won the Team15 Trophy in 2016 and 2017. Since his involvement, team membership has increased to the point where there is now a waiting list to join.

To help with funding the team Andrew applied for grants, initiated a project to sell old kit in order to purchase new equipment and also arranged special deals with manufacturers to ensure that the team can benefit from the latest innovations.

When not fulfilling his duties as Head Coach, Andrew can be found attending to the maintenance of the clubhouse and equipment. He is great fun, with a wonderful sense of humour, and has made a difference to many people’s lives – not only those of the young windsurfers, but also those of the many new instructors he has brought on.

David McKeeDovestone Sailing Club

David has held a range of positions at Dovestone Sailing Club (DSC) including Commodore, Flying Fifteen Fleet Captain, RYA Instructor and Official Measurer for the Flying Fifteen

Association. A Trustee of the club, he is once again serving as Rear Commodore Sail.

Having recently retired as a Senior Partner in a surveying company, David’s professional advice has been key to DSC’s lease negotiations and he has also given countless hours of his time to assist others, such as Lancashire School Sailing Association, with their own leases. As well as offering professional advice, David takes a hands-on approach and arrived at the club with a trailer to remove the debris when the ‘beast from the east’ destroyed the pontoon.

He has been involved with DSC for over 35 years and is an enthusiastic advocate for the sport who takes pleasure from encouraging people to get on the water and enjoy their sailing, whether it be just pottering around or taking part in competitive racing.

Terry RadfordSwarkestone Sailing Club

A member of Swarkestone Sailing Club for many years, Terry became a Senior Instructor in 2012 in order to run the Sailability sessions. He has created a Sailability

group that works on many levels; with numbers growing every year, it attracts people with and without disabilities, catering for those who just want to chat through, to the keenest racers. The group now has a full racing programme, with 13 trophies to be won, and Terry organises an annual fundraising event which is always a day of laughter and fun.

Terry’s contribution extends further than running the group and he has been an integral part of many major refurbishments including the creation of a changing area with a ceiling track, hoist and electric bed.

A gentle man, with incredible energy, enthusiasm, and drive, Terry takes time to understand each person and develop their skills. His humble manner has allowed many disabled people, their carers and Sailability volunteers to aspire to, and reach, new levels of achievement.

Andrew RimmerBanbury Sailing Club

A member of Banbury Sailing Club (BSC) for 15 years, Andrew has served as both Commodore and Training Principal. He ran the junior section for a number of years and under

his management its popularity increased to the point that, at one stage, numbers had to be capped. Its success rejuvenated the club and there are currently 70 active junior section members.

Reaching out to the local community, he established BSC as an RYA OnBoard Club and, as Training Principal, developed a thriving and lively team of volunteers able to support a wide-ranging programme. So successful have his initiatives been that demand began to outstrip supply and Andrew was instrumental in applying for grants to extend the clubhouse; he then supervised the build and rallied club members to renovate the older part of the building.

His drive, and ability to motivate others, have ensured that the club is in a strong position to support the local community for many years to come.

Ross RyanNottinghamshire County Sailing Club

Ross has been contributing to the activities of Nottinghamshire County Sailing club, and demonstrating his dedication to sailing, since he joined in 2008.

Currently the club Treasurer, he has also taken on other management roles, including serving as Commodore.

As Vice-Commodore he instigated an ambitious five-year plan to improve training and changing facilities which was delivered with the help of a Sport England grant. Other key strategies included broadening access to sailing and increasing family membership. In 2013, Ross was involved in re-negotiating a new 30-year club lease that increased water availability from 10 to 12 months.

As Commodore, Ross led on the club achieving RYA OnBoard, Sailability and Champion Club status and a rejuvenated Saturday Club has helped to increase family membership. Never missing an opportunity to promote sailing, Ross has inspired the great team of volunteers that has put the club on the safe, solid basis that resulted in it being named 2018 RYA and Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year.

Rob SwyerConiston Sailing Club

Rob became Honorary Treasurer in 2009, when Coniston Sailing Club (CSC) was going through a period of financial uncertainty. He tightened up the management of the club finances,

secured a VAT refund, and cancelled loss-making contracts. Having established a surplus the club was able to fund several projects, such as replacing jetties, which have been fundamental to its success.

When CSC became an RYA Training Centre in 2014, it urgently needed to build new changing rooms to replace the existing flood-prone facilities and enable the club to attract prospective members. Having helped with lease negotiations, Rob then took over the management of the project, liaising with the National Trust and builder and managing the finances. Rob joined the interior decorating working groups over the winter of 2016-17 and the facilities were formally opened in time for the sailing season. His prudent and transparent financial and project management enabled successful completion of the build and removed an impediment to growing the club’s membership.

George ThomsonWest Lothian Sailing Club

After years of introducing young people to sailing through his profession, George retired and re-established West Lothian Sailing Club in 2009. A Senior

Instructor, he inspires all ages and abilities through his Instructor, Powerboat, and Safety Boat courses – helping youngsters to progress to a high level and pass on their own knowledge.

George is an enabler and has created a unique sailing hub in a central belt town. He allowed eight youngsters to borrow his own boat to enter the Brown Cup – six were from non-sailing families. When 12 young members were preparing for their Gold DofE yachting expedition, he ran additional courses to prepare them.

One of his greatest legacies is the annual exchange week with German club RFCM, which he created knowing that bonds of friendship can be built across nations through sport. Hardworking and selfless, George has succeeded in passing on his great knowledge and passion, inspiring generations of sailors and having an enormous impact on countless lives in his community.

James WhiteheadFiley Sailing Club

James has been an active member of Filey Sailing Club since childhood. A Senior Instructor, he has helped to run the club’s RYA training courses and, as a qualified electrician,

has volunteered his time to help maintain and upgrade the clubhouse and buildings. He became Commodore in 2015 and worked tirelessly to fulfil his vision of modernising the club, improving facilities, and creating an inclusive environment for people of all ages and abilities.

In 2016 he worked on a successful Sport England funding application and managed a large refurbishment project, encouraging members with various skills to give their time. The re-design created a welcoming environment for both sailors and spectators and resulted in a greater than expected increase in membership and a growing number of competitors attending the annual regatta.

Now Training Officer, James is aiming to increase the training opportunities available to members. He gives his time willingly, and his enthusiasm and commitment inspire others to do the same.

Benedict WhybrowClevedon Sailing Club

Having started a family, Benedict re-joined Clevedon Sailing Club in 2009 and became an active committee member before becoming RYA Training Principal

six years ago. Benedict works tirelessly to develop the Training Centre by encouraging members to become instructors and recently obtained funding to enable two members to gain senior qualifications.

He is front and centre of Cadet activities – supporting the Cadet Leader, working with local youth groups and schools to raise the profile of the club and facilitating an annual week of sailing on the challenging waters of the Bristol Channel. He was instrumental in obtaining two Sport England grants, totalling £60,000, to refurbish the changing rooms and boat storage facilities and acquire new dinghies.

Benedict still takes part in club racing events in his Tasar and has helped many novice sailors improve their confidence and knowledge of sea sailing whilst crewing for him. His positive attitude and willingness to help with projects, large and small, have contributed greatly to the club’s success.

Emma BishopCastle Cove Sailing Club

Emma has been instrumental in the running and development of Castle Cove Sailing Club Cadets for the past 18 months. She has reinvigorated the club’s training

programme, ensuring race training is fun and enjoyable, and Cadet numbers have substantially increased as a result of her involvement. It is not unusual for young sailors to seek her advice between races and she is always happy to go sailing with them for fun in order to increase their enjoyment of the sport.

Having restored the club’s Optimist for training, she successfully applied to the John Merricks Sailing Trust for a grant to fund additional club Optimists and helped to plan and host the Cadet Prize Giving.

An accomplished, competitive sailor and an excellent role model, Emma is a qualified RYA Dinghy Instructor and powerboat driver who provides support to the Cadet Officers and constant reassurance to the young sailors. She is now studying Activity Leadership and Leisure Management whilst working part-time.

Poppy SmithStaunton Harold Sailing Club

An active member since an early age, Poppy has always been keen to encourage and motivate others at Staunton Harold Sailing Club. Her expertise and

interpersonal skills are exceptional and have led to the successful coaching of youngsters and adults alike. She is currently working towards Senior Instructor accreditation.

She has led the Junior open training for three years and is also the committee youth representative. When the club was chosen to host the regional final of the 2017 Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship, Poppy rose to the challenge of providing training for more than 15 youngsters and helped many of them to gain the powerboating qualifications that will equip them to contribute to the club themselves.

Poppy undertakes all her roles with great maturity and has the ability to gain people’s trust and respect and hence their commitment. Her wide-ranging skills, personal qualities and irresistible enthusiasm have benefitted the club and make her a genuine ambassador for the sport.

RYA Community Awards 2018 Youth

VOLUNTEER AWARDS 2018

RECOGNISING OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS WITHIN OUR SPORT

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