RYA Awards
The RYA Awards recognise the outstanding contributions made by volunteers and affiliated organisations throughout the UK to support our boating community.
Bringing together the previous Club of the Year and Volunteer Awards into one celebration, this year’s winners will be announced at a reception held at the RYA Dinghy and Watersports show on Saturday 22 February 2025.
Awarded across two key categories, the Affiliate Awards and Individual Awards, allows us to celebrate our network of RYA affiliated organisations, as well as the volunteers making a real difference.
Nominations
Nominations for the 2025 awards are now closed. Nominations for 2026 will open shortly.
Affiliate Awards
The Affiliate Awards supported by Gallagher honour the clubs, classes and affiliated organisations playing a vital role in fostering a vibrant and thriving boating network and will be awarded across five categories.
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 underrepresented in boating activities.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Individual Awards
The Individual Awards celebrate the exceptional commitment and achievements of volunteers. Whether it’s mowing the lawn, making the tea, helming the safety boat or just getting stuck in wherever needed – it all counts.
The awards are divided into five categories, not only awarding longstanding volunteers but also committed young people, and most importantly, those that have had an impact.
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.
Presented to an outstanding individual for their exceptional commitment and services to boating at club or grassroots level over 20 years.
This award honours the recipient's exceptional commitment, passion, and selfless contributions that have significantly impacted the community and enriched the lives of others.
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.
Further information
Selected finalists in each category will be invited to a reception held at the RYA Dinghy and Waterpsorts Show on Saturday 22 February 2025 where the overall category winners will be announced.
If you have any questions please email the awards team.
We are delighted to share the news that we are now rolling out the Impact Awards for England.
These awards will shine a light on those who deserve recognition for going above and beyond in making a positive impact on your time afloat. Nominations are open and will be presented regularly throughout the year.
The aim is to recognise the hard work and dedication that enables our sport from the grassroots upwards to be successful, sustainable, inclusive and valued.
Who will you nominate?
The awards are wide ranging and open to those at the heart of our sport in England including participants, staff and volunteers; instructors, coaches and race officials; clubs, classes and training centres.
Nominations might be a personal thank you to an individual or organisation, or a wider recognition of their impact on the sport.
There is no closing date and nominations will be reviewed every other month with awards made from September 2024 onwards.
We are asking:
- Who would you like to nominate?
- What do you think makes this person, team, club, centre or organisation stand out from their peer group?
- What impact have they had / difference have they made?
- What impact have they had / difference have they made?
Complete our from to highlight activities or contributions to the sport which you feel should be celebrated!