West Midlands Sailors Receive Prestigious Awards From HRH The Princess Royal 

Six sailors from region named RYA Volunteeer Award winners

Six West 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).  

Vivien Brookes, chair of the Worcestershire Schools Sailing and Canoeing Association (WSSCA) and Upton Warren Sailing Club member, South Staffs SC honorary treasurer John Edwards and Birmingham Bishop, The Right Revd Michael Whinney, were awarded with Lifetime Commitment Awards, for exceptional commitment and dedication to their club or organisation for at least 15 years.

Upton Warren SC’s John Ling and South Staffs SC’s Mike Warbrick received Outstanding Contribution Awards, for their exceptional dedication to developing their club’s buoyant junior racing sections.

Meanwhile 20-year-old South Staffs SC sailor Chris Cook was awarded a Youth Award, having first attended the club as part of a group from Westcroft Special School four years ago. He is now a very active club volunteer and inspiration.

All six 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.

Vivien Brookes said: “I have very much enjoyed providing opportunities for so many young people to learn to sail and become involved in racing. Seeing these youngsters gaining confidence and a sense of achievement at the end of a week sailing on a large lake or the sea is extremely satisfy. Many of these youngsters have become volunteer instructors themselves, putting something back into their sport by supporting young sailors.”

The Right Revd Whinney said: “I hope others may be encouraged, as a result of such an award, to offer their services to such causes as this. It is rewarding in the satisfaction of seeing the young people's achievements - sometimes against great odds - and seeing them become responsible adults in their local communities.”

Chris Cook said: “Sailing has changed me from being someone with behavioural problems to a responsible young man. To now be able to help and teach special needs kids through Westcroft, as well as helping and teaching SSSC club members and lots of different people, is really pleasing. Sailing is very sociable. You get to meet and talk to lots of different people and to go to lots of different places."

The six West Midlands award winners, 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 all their 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 right.