RYA Volunteering Awards 

Volunteers outstanding achievements recognised at the RYA AGM

HRH the Princess Royal, President of the RYA, presented the annual RYA Community and RYA Awards at the 2009 RYA AGM yesterday (Thursday 19 November)  

A total of 49 volunteer awards were presented to winners hailing from across the UK from as far afield as the Isle of Wight to Scotland.  

This year, an RYA Honorary Life Membership Award was presented to Eddie Ramsden MBE for his extraordinary and unique contribution to sailing for the last 30 years. Eddie has previously worked as Chairman of the Welsh Yachting Association and is now currently serving on the RYA Paralympic Steering Group.

The Francis Elkin award, which recognises an individual who has made a significant contribution, in time, effort and personal endeavour in enabling people with disabilities to become involved in sailing, was awarded this year to Geoff Holt, who inspired thousands with his ‘Personal Everest Challenge’. Remarkably, in just three days time he leaves for another emotional voyage to cross the Atlantic, where he will revisit the scene of the accident that paralysed him 25 years ago.   

The RYA Awards and Community Awards acknowledge the importance of volunteers within the sailing and boating communities. They recognise the outstanding contributions, time, effort and experience individuals have made to making it possible for others to enjoy boating and sailing, from establishing clubs, committee participation, to boat maintenance and training.  

Forty-nine Community Awards were projected across three categories recognising; Lifetime Commitment, Outstanding Contribution and Youth.  

The youth category, which recognises voluntary work carried out by young people specifically, presented four special youth awards. Mhairi Wilson from Loch Vanachar Sailing Club was one such recipient having become a role model, inspiring young sailors with her commitment to her club while also juggling a heavy academic workload.     

All the winners enjoyed a celebratory lunch and were presented with a commemorative medallion and certificate by HRH, The Princess Royal.  

Rod Carr Chief Executive of the RYA said: “Every one of the Award winners has exceeded the reasonable expectations of their fellow volunteers, club members and the boating community in general and the amount of work they put in is outstanding. These people are an inspiration to us all and it is my pleasure to recognise and celebrate their sheer hard work and commitment through these awards.”