County Antrim Yacht Club, Whitehead was awarded the esteemed Volvo RYA Champion Club status last weekend (Saturday 28 April). The club has been recognised for their commitment to youth sailing and race coaching. It aims to encourage young sailors at the grass roots level, to stay in the sport and learn to compete.
Richard Honeyford, RYA High Performance Manager NI, officially announced the new Volvo RYA Champion Club, commending the club s positive attitude towards community involvement and its passion for encouraging young hopefuls to compete and reach for their dreams.
Stanton Adair, Chairman of the Royal Yachting Association NI also attended the presentation, It is a fantastic day here for County Antrim Yacht Club; it is a well deserved award showing the commitment of officers and of the club in promoting sailing and boating in Belfast Lough .
The club was delighted and honoured to be presented with the award. They envisage with the extra help and coaching opportunities, they can support more young sailors and raise the level of their ability.
The Volvo RYA Champion Club status is a much appreciated recognition for the members who in the past and currently contribute to the club's many activities, particularly with regard to youth training. It is a historic day for the club and bodes well for sailing in the Province; it s great for the club and for the young sailors too. It will also assist in our current efforts to recruit youngsters, and in particular, to newcomers who do not have family links with sailing, said Raymond Patton, Commodore, County Antrim Yacht Club.
Mark McAndrew of SMW Volvo Belfast presented Raymond Patton, Commodore of CAYC, with the award and also praised the club s hard work. It is great to have another Volvo RYA Champion Club developing junior sailors in the right classes here in Northern Ireland. We wish the club and its youth programme all the best for the future . Volvo Car UK supports the Volvo RYA Champion Club programme across Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland as part of their ongoing commitment to sailing in the UK.