Team GB’s 49er sailor, Stevie Morrison and 470 sailor Joe Glanfield, opened nominations for the RYA’s 2009 Club of the Year Award today (12 September) at the 2008 PSP Southampton Boat Show.

Joined by, RYA Chief Executive Rod Carr, on the RYA stand (E052), the sailors posted the first entry to the 2009 competition.

Joe, a club sailor at Exe Sailing Club, Exmouth, since the age of seven, said; “Clubs are really important as they provide a safe and sociable environment for people to learn to sail at. A competition like Club of the Year allows clubs across the country to get the recognition for all the hard work they do.”

Clubs are now being urged to get their nominations submitted in time to be in the running for this coveted title.

Stevie was keen to emphasise how key his club has been to his success; “I grew up learning to sail with Exe Sailing Club where the enthusiasm of the club and its members really inspired me to get out on the water and practice. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support my club has given me.”

The Club of the Year Award aims to recognise and promote clubs that are successful, forward looking and vibrant. Last year, clubs from all over the UK submitted applications detailing how they encourage people onto the water, offer a range of activities for all ages and abilities and are well managed.