Christchurch Sailing Club have been named as winners of the 2020 RYA and Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year Award.
The Dorset based club was one of 10 finalists selected by the RYA Awards Panel and ultimately crowned by the public vote. The coveted trophy was presented by The British Sailing Team’s Arran Holman at the RYA Dinghy Show.
Christchurch Sailing Club were awarded for their strong family ethos and wide variety of sailing and social activities. Their achievements included the investment of a new training room enabling members to develop their qualifications. The refurbishment of their female changing rooms will support the growth of the ladies fleet.
A new lift and disabled toilet with baby changing facilities helps the club to get people of all ages and abilities out on the water and a Junior Sponsorship Scheme helps young members participate in events around the World.
Jim Atkins, Commodore at Christchurch SC said: “We absolutely didn’t expect to win. It’s just fantastic as it’s the culmination of a lot of effort. It’s a tremendous honour for us and our members and we look forward to getting back and celebrating with them.
RYA Director of Sport Development Alistair Dickson commented: “A huge congratulations to Christchurch Sailing Club. Their hard work on major facility developments have been really impressive and the panel were really impressed with their strong community spirit.
“Thank you to RS Sailing and all of the RYA Reward Partners that have contributed to the prize packages, which have been very much appreciated by all of the finalists. Thank you to all those who voted, it’s always really difficult to choose one club from these inspirational finalists”
RYA and Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year finalists for 2020:
- RYA Scotland Finalist: Prestwick Sailing Club
- RYA North East Finalist: Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club
- RYA North West Finalist: Delph Sailing Club
- RYA Midlands Finalist: Draycote Water Sailing Club
- RYA Cymru Wales Finalist: Royal Anglesey Yacht Club
- RYA Northern Ireland Finalist: Strangford Lough Yacht Club
- RYA Northern Ireland Finalist: East Antrim Boat Club
- RYA South Finalist: Netley Sailing Club
- RYA London and South East Finalist: Felpham Sailing Club
Debdale Outdoor Activity Club were also awarded a Certificate of Commendation for their excellent work developing young sailors.
Thank you everyone who has kindly provided prizes to our finalists and winner:
- Yachts & Yachting
- RS Sailing
- Gallagher
- Spinlock
- Icom
- Techni Block
- Wightlink
- Overboard
- Sacqua
- Navionics
- Cotswold Outdoor
- Dryrobe
5 of the finalists were also recognised for:
‘Innovative and forward thinking’- Felpham Sailing Club
Recognition for a club who makes a break from traditional ways of running a club or delivering boating activity. This could be delivering activities at different times of the week, day or year, or organising different formats of training or racing to engage with new participants, etc.
‘Inclusive and open to all’ - Delph Sailing Club
Recognition for a club or project which has been impactful in developing participation amongst people with disabilities or from other under-represented or disadvantaged groups.
‘Fantastic facilities’ - Netley Sailing Club
Recognition for a club who has undertaken facility developments and has been creative and resourceful in the design, minimised environmental impact, and/or shown innovation in securing funding and provision of club facilities.
‘Boosting membership’- Prestwick Sailing Club
Recognition for a club that has delivered the most impactful participation project, the outcomes of which are, attracting and retaining new participants and growing their membership.
‘Embracing modern communications’ East Antrim Boat Club
Recognition for a club that has embraced the use of modern communications, e.g. social media platforms or who have been proactive and forward thinking in their communications and marketing using websites, local press, radio etc.
Applications for Club of the Year 2021 will open in August 2020.
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