East Midlands sailors receive top awards from HRH The Princess Royal 

Harry and Robin are East Midlands Volunteer Award winners

Two East Midlands sailors were presented with the Royal Yachting Association’s most prestigious awards by HRH the Princess Royal, President of the RYA, at the organisation’s annual awards ceremony held at London’s One Great George Street on Wednesday (23rd November).  

Ogston Sailing Club’s Harry Loftus Pye was awarded with a Lifetime Commitment Award, for individuals who have shown exceptional commitment and dedication to their club or organisation for at least 15 years.

Meanwhile Robin Jones, from Lincoln, was awarded with a Youth Award, for his commitment and dedication in supporting the Lincolnshire and District Sailing Association (LDSA) to deliver sailing sessions to children from local schools.  

Both sailors were nominated for their awards by their clubs and organisations, and selected as winners by the Awards panel for their work. A total of 48 voluntary awards were presented to winners hailing from across the UK from as far afield as Hayling Island and Loch Tummel, Scotland.

For over 47 years Harry, who learned to sail on holiday in Devon in the 1950s, has worked to develop, improve and maintain all aspects of Ogston SC. Harry was involved in setting up the club’s junior fleet to enable young people to begin sailing at the club. He also later became a senior instructor and continues to teach the ‘Learn to Sail’ classes, introducing many new members to the joy of sailing.

Recently, Harry has used a combination of his technical skills and a friendly, practical hands-on approach to develop the Tuesday club team which maintains the safety boats as well as improving and maintaining the club’s buildings, grounds and pontoons.

Robin learned to sail at Hykeham Sailing Club around six years ago but it wasn’t until 2008 that he really got into the sport, first obtaining his RYA assistant instructor qualification the following year before qualifying as a full instructor this year.

He excels in all the activities he takes part in and at a moment’s notice can be called upon to take children sailing or help out with regattas and act as on water safety crew. He encourages young people to sail and have fun on the water while setting an example which is second to none, inspiring other youngsters to follow his lead.

Harry said: “To be recognised for doing something I enjoy so much has been a great surprise, and almost an embarrassment, I had not realised that Ogston Sailing Club thought so highly of me! I feel very honoured to receive this award, and hope that it also brings credit to the club I love.”

Robin said: “The award is great, when I began instructing I never thought that anything like this would happen so I was so surprised when I got the letter telling me I had been chosen for an RYA award. I love helping teach sailing and seeing how sailors develop throughout the course."

The East Midlands pair, and the other RYA Award winners, enjoyed a celebratory lunch in the presence of HRH The Princess Royal, and were presented with a commemorative medallion and certificate. 

Sarah Treseder, RYA Chief Executive said: “The RYA is delighted to make these RYA Volunteer Awards in recognition of Harry and Robin’s enthusiasm, promotion of our sport and many years’ contribution to the region’s sailing scene. All 48 RYA winners are an inspiration to us all and it is my pleasure to recognise and celebrate their sheer hard work and commitment through these awards.”

To see video footage of, and interviews with, your sailors at the ceremony click on the See Also link to the right.