Please select your home edition
Edition

RYA Club of the Year 2024 winners announced

by RYA Press 25 Feb 02:40 PST 25 February 2024
Draycote Water Sailing Club win RYA Club of the Year 2024 © Paul Wyeth / RYA

Draycote Water Sailing Club (DWSC) has been crowned RYA Club of the Year, supported by Gallagher. In front of a packed audience at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show (24 February 2024) the trophy was presented by Olympic gold medallist Eilidh McIntyre.

The Awards Panel received numerous of applications from clubs across the UK with fourteen exceptional finalists selected. Each of these clubs have demonstrated an outstanding contribution to their communities.

Broad range of activities

From Discover Sailing Days and taster sessions to top level training and competitions, DWSC deliver a broad range of activities for all ages and abilities.

Commodore from DWSC, William Whittaker said: "I am speechless, it's brilliant. This is 10 years of hard work, and we are now seeing the youth and junior sector enjoying sailing on a daily and weekly basis. The kids will be very proud because they've contributed to this success".

Panel member Janet Viney said: "Choosing a winner for the overall award was challenging as the standard of the category winners was so high. We were impressed with how DWSC hasn't stood still. By introducing new groups and new opportunities, their membership has kept coming back to enjoy all the club has to offer."

New categories

This year, four new categories were introduced to align with the evolving priorities of the sailing community.

Young Person's Club of the Year

DWSC were announced as overall winners in addition to winning the Young Person's Club of the Year category, presented by RS Sailing.

This category celebrates a club which encourages participation and development in young people. DWSC were presented with a tailored package from RS Sailing which includes the loan of boats, coaches, and entry to a national event.

Community Club of the Year

The Community Club of the Year category presented by Suzuki Marine, Rigiflex and Extreme Trailers celebrates meaningful, welcoming and inclusive opportunities.

Gresford Sailing Club was recognised for commitment to inclusivity, offering free lessons to members' children, collaborating with charities, and hosting events for various groups. The club's partnership with the All Afloat charity has enabled sessions for local schools, with a significant number of children benefiting from these initiatives.

Active Club of the Year

The Active Club of the Year, presented by Sunsail celebrates achievements in developing strong participation opportunities, pathways and training which enable their members to be as active as possible throughout their life stages.

Colne Yacht Club engaged with the local community, providing training opportunities and hospitality events. Through initiatives like the Sonata Activity Groups, beginners have the opportunity to learn alongside experienced skippers, fostering a supportive environment for skill development.

Green Club of the Year

Etherow Country Park Sailing Club clinched the Green Club of the Year award presented by ePropulsion. The club overcame vandalism setbacks in 2021, turning adversity into opportunity. They embraced eco-friendly measures like rainwater harvesting, negotiated free electricity, upgraded to LED lighting, recycled waste, refurbished boats, and pursue ongoing environmental improvements.

Celebrating the breadth of club activity across the UK

Rob Clark, RYA Director of Sport Development concludes: "I think it's really important to recognise the full scope of different clubs and the breadth of activity that happens up and down the country.

"We know that without the volunteers and people that make it possible for others to get afloat, sailing wouldn't be viable as a sport. Hopefully Club of the Year goes a small way to recognise the huge efforts".

Congratulations to all the finalists of the 2024 RYA Club of the Year award, whose dedication and passion continue to inspire and enrich the sailing community.

Reward Partners

Thanks also go to Spinlock, Dryrobe, Navionics, ICOM, Green Blue and Rooster for donating prize packages.

Nominations for the RYA Club of the Year 2025 will open this June.

Related Articles

On board the SY62 3-Deck Closed
Maryline and Toon, from Belgium, chose the new yacht in the owner's suite version There are plenty of reasons to choose Silent Yachts. Maryline and Toon, from Belgium, chose the new SY62 3-Deck Closed, in the owner's suite version, for three main reasons. Posted on 23 Nov
Another VisionF 82 catamaran is sold
The sale of the third hull of the highly successful 82ft (24,7m) model Luxury Turkish catamaran specialist VisionF Yachts is celebrating after the sale of the third hull of the highly successful 82ft (24,7m) model. Posted on 23 Nov
How navigation tech is protecting our seabeds
Seagrass meadows store 10% of the ocean's carbon Just under two years into partnering together and more responsible sailing and seagrass conservation has been put on the map by Clean Sailors, the Ocean Conservation Trust (OCT) and Savvy Navvy. Posted on 21 Nov
The launch of the Two Oceans 870 Power Catamaran
An 87-foot custom designed and built luxury power catamaran Two Oceans Marine Manufacturing proudly announces the successful launch of the Two Oceans 870 Power Catamaran. Posted on 20 Nov
Marine Auctions: November Online Auction
Bidding to Open on Friday 22 November and Close on Thursday, 28 November 2024 at 2pm AEST Bidding to Open on Friday 22 November and Close on Thursday, 28 November 2024 at 2pm AEST. Posted on 19 Nov
Vision Marine partners with a pontoon manufacturer
A new production initiative with Smoker Craft Inc Vision Marine Technologies Inc. (the "Company", "Vision Marine", "we", "us", "our") (Nasdaq: VMAR), a pioneer in electric marine propulsion, is pleased to announce a new production initiative with Smoker Craft Inc., Posted on 19 Nov
Sunreef Yachts unveils interiors of the Ultima 111
36.25m luxury vessel showcases a unique design collaboration with Phathom Studio Sunreef Yachts is thrilled to present a first look at the interiors of its ultramodern catamaran, the ULTIMA 111. Posted on 18 Nov
Benetti launches M/Y Juno's 7, the first Class 44M
Natural settings on four decks which recall the brand's heritage The first unit of Benetti's Class 44M launched from Viareggio, revealing the work of Cassetta Yacht Designers and informal, natural settings on four decks which recall the brand's Heritage. Posted on 16 Nov
Numarine reveals interiors for new Numarine 45XP
There's a lot to be said for ongoing collaborations There's a lot to be said for ongoing collaborations, particularly between shipyard and design studio. It not only speaks to the success of previous projects and the trust that exists between partners Posted on 15 Nov
Pershing unveils the GTX70
The most compact and sporty, in perfect Pershing tradition Pershing unveils Pershing GTX70, the third model in the Sport Utility Yacht range and a perfect combination of the innovations and comfort introduced by the series and the two previous models. Posted on 13 Nov