RYA Awards
The RYA Awards celebrate the thousands of amazing individuals and organisations who dedicate their time, expertise and energy to the development and enjoyment of boating across the UK.
Over the years, these awards have highlighted the incredible commitment, skill, and community spirit within our sport, which inspires and motivates others to get involved.
Find out how you can say thank you to that special person, club or organisation through the RYA Awards.
Impact Awards
The Impact Awards shine a spotlight on the individuals, clubs, and organisations who go above and beyond to make boating and sailing more successful, sustainable, inclusive, and valued – from grassroots efforts to community-wide initiatives.
Presented regularly throughout the year, these awards honour the dedication and passion that help our sport thrive.
Nominations for Impact Awards are now open — so don’t miss the chance to celebrate the heroes of our waters.
Who will you nominate?
The awards are open to everyone involved in boating in England, including:
- Participants, volunteers, and staff
- Instructors, coaches, and race officials
- Clubs, classes, and training centres
Whether it’s a heartfelt thank you or recognition of broader impact, all nominations are welcome.
There’s no deadline — nominations can be made at any time and are reviewed throughout the year.
Successful nominations will receive a certificate for the nominator to present to their nominee. Nominations for individuals which are received before 1 October will be put forward to the awards panel for selection for the National Individual Awards.
How to nominate
- Eligibility: Open to individuals and organisations involved in boating activities.
- Nomination process: Submit an Impact Award nomination using the nomination form.
- Deadline: There is no closing date; nominations are reviewed throughout the year.
- Recognition: All Impact Award nominations for individuals are automatically considered for the National Individual Awards, with successful National recipients celebrated at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show.
Home Country Awards
Live in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland? Visit your country’s hub to make a nomination:
National Individual Awards
All Impact Award nominations (England) for individuals will be reviewed by the panel and will automatically be considered for the National Individual Awards. The successful nominees will be presented at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show.
Award recipients from Scotland (Impact Awards), Wales (Impact Awards) and Northern Ireland (Annual Awards) will also be put forward to the National Individual Awards panel.
The panel will award in the following four categories:
- Unsung Hero – Quietly shaping the sport through selfless dedication
- Rising Star – A young volunteer (under 25) already making waves
- Guiding Light – A role model inspiring others in the community
- Inspirational Race Coach or Instructor – Delivering excellence and inclusion on the water
Celebrating an individual who has made remarkable contributions to our sport. This award aims to honour those who have selflessly dedicated their time and efforts to enhance the boating community.
Awarded to an exceptional young volunteer recognising the outstanding impact they have made to their boating community.
Nominees should be 25 or under on 22 February 2025.
Awarded to an individual who has been involved in leading a project or initiative that has delivered positive impact to their organisation and/or grassroots participation.
This person could be responsible for leading a specific programme to encourage participation, working to develop volunteers, instructors or coaches, or an approach to a specific element, such as health and safety, marketing, club management, team management and club races or events. They could be leading their task independently, or in a role such as committee member, within a club steering group, working group or subcommittee.
Celebrating individuals whose enthusiasm and time has made a significant difference to an organisation by offering their skills and qualifications in a volunteer role.
This award will honour an individual that goes the extra mile to ensure they deliver the best quality, inclusive learning experience for all.
Recipients will hold a valid RYA Race coach or Instructor qualification.
Affiliate Awards
Recognising the heart of our boating community, the Affiliate Awards, supported by Gallagher, celebrate the clubs, classes, and affiliated organisations that foster a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving boating network across the UK.
Applications for the 2026 Affiliate Awards are now open across five categories, which celebrate the many and varied ways our affiliates support, grow and develop our sport.
The closing date for applications for the 2026 awards is 1 October 2025.
Recognising affiliates who are actively working towards a connected, inspired, and inclusive boating community.
This award celebrates our affiliates who are using boating as a platform to champion equality and eliminate barriers to participation for individuals or communities historically under-represented in boating activities.
2025 Finalists
- Arden Sailing Club
- Ripon Sailing Club
2025 Winner
- Sea View Yacht Club
Celebrating teams who have inspired and supported affiliates in implementing sustainable practices or introducing environmental projects that reduced carbon footprints within organisations.
This category highlights innovative approaches by a group within an affiliate in minimising their environmental impact.
2025 Finalists
- ILCA 6 Youth European Championships & Open Trophy
- Staunton Harold Sailing Club
2025 Winner
- West Wiltshire Youth Sailing Association (WWYSA)
Recognising inspiring affiliates who encourage participation, development of skills and volunteering for all their young people.
This award recognises our affiliates who foster opportunities for individuals aged 25 and under to develop a passion for boating.
2025 Finalists
- Northampton Sailing Club
- Prestwick Sailing Club
- Winsford Flash Sailing Club
2025 Winner
- North Devon Yacht Club
Celebrating our affiliates’ achievements in developing strong participation opportunities which enable members to stay active throughout their life on the water.
Whether through volunteer pathways, racing initiatives, club cruising, or enhanced training programmes, this category evaluates how organisations facilitate ongoing engagement.
2025 Finalists
- Oceans of Hope UK
- Royal Naval Sailing Association
2025 Winner
- Newhaven and Seaford Sailing Club
Presented to volunteer groups behind successful affiliate organised events that align with the RYA's Together on Water objectives of inclusion, inspiration, engagement, connections, influence, and sustainability. Events could be an open event or held for club members only.
This award recognises the dedicated workforce driving these impactful events.
2025 Finalists
- Wellchild Summer Splash- Carsington Sailing Club
- Youth Week- Parkstone Yacht Club
2025 Winner
- WLYC 24 Hour Race- West Lancashire Yacht Club