RYA Awards
Impact Awards
The Impact Awards recognise efforts that make sailing and boating more successful, sustainable, inclusive, and valued—from the grassroots to the broader community. These awards celebrate individuals and groups who go above and beyond to make a positive impact on everyone’s time afloat
Presented regularly throughout the year, they shine a well-deserved spotlight on those whose hard work and dedication help our sport thrive.
Nominations are open, so don’t miss the chance to celebrate the heroes of our waters!
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 throughout the year.
If you would like to nominate an individual or organisation in Wales or Scotland, please visit your Home Country hubs to find out more about RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards and RYA Scotland Impact Awards. Nominations are also now open for the RYA Northern Ireland Annual Awards.
RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards
RYA Scotland Impact Awards
RYA Northern Ireland Annual Awards 2025
New for 2026 awards
The way to nominate an Individual is changing, to nominate for an Individual Award please nominate them for an Impact Award.
Nominations for the Impact Awards will be reviewed by a panel, and nominators will receive a certificate to present to the individual. All nominations will then automatically be considered for the National Individual Awards. Winners will be recognised at the Dinghy & Watersports Show.
RYA Awards
The RYA Awards recognise the incredible contributions of volunteers and RYA affiliated organisations across the UK, celebrating the heart and soul of our boating community.
Affiliate Awards
The Affiliate Awards supported by Gallagher honour the clubs, classes and affiliated organisations that play a vital role in fostering a vibrant and thriving boating network.
2025 Awards finalists
The RYA is thrilled to unveil the finalists for this year’s Awards; recognising the amazing work of RYA affiliated organisations and the dedicated volunteers who make such a positive impact.
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.
2025 Finalists
- Arden Sailing Club
- Ripon Sailing Club
- 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
- 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
- North Devon Yacht Club
- Northampton Sailing Club
- Prestwick Sailing Club
- Winsford Flash Sailing 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
- Newhaven and Seaford Sailing Club
- Oceans of Hope UK
- Royal Naval Sailing Association
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
- WLYC 24 Hour Race- West Lancashire Yacht Club
- Youth Week- Parkstone Yacht Club
National 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 four categories, not only awarding longstanding volunteers but also committed young people, and most importantly, those that have had an impact.
If you would like to make a nomination for the National Individual Awards please make an Impact Award nomination. These nominations will automatically be entered into the National Individual Awards.
Individual award winners will all be announced during the award ceremony and reception held at the Dinghy and Watersports show.
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.