RYA Northern Ireland Annual Awards: Nominations Open
Nominations have opened for the RYA Northern Ireland Annual Awards 2025.
The Annual Awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the individuals or groups that have made particular contributions to sailing or achieved particularly significant results this year.
Celebrating Dedication and Impact
As RYANI staff, we’re always struck by the dedication, skill, and hard work of so many incredible volunteers. The passion and commitment of the Northern Irishsailing community make it possible for others to participate in the sport we all love.
Last year’s Volunteer of the Year category showcased six outstanding nominations. For example, Cheryl from East Antrim Boat Club took the reins of a powerboat to provide safety cover and later began teaching others at the club.
Our winner, the youngest nominee, combined the Women on the Water program with fundraising efforts to boost Queen’s University Sailing Club’s reach and impact. These stories reflect the invaluable contributions volunteers make to our community.
We encourage as many nominations as possible as it is important to give everyone in the sailing community the recognition they deserve.
Categories for Nominations
- Club Race Coach of the Year
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Chair’s Award - This award is to recognise someone, or a group of people, that have achieved something exceptional, or have gone above and beyond for a particular cause, but which doesn’t fall into one of our award categories
- Club Project of the Year
The closing date for nominations is 5 PM on February 17, 2025.
Previous Award Winners
Volunteer of the Year
2024: Marty Ansfield (LEYC) & Ellie Young (QUBSC)
2023: Sam Rutherford (HYC)
2019: Lindsay McCarty Nolan (RNIYC)
2018: David Nelson (BYC)
Young Volunteer of the Year
2024: Emily Disckson & Isabel Nixon (DSC)
2023: Max Robinson (SLYC)
2019: Amy Armstrong & James Corbett (CAYC)
Young Powerboater of the Year
2023: Dan Cooke (SLYC)
2019: Sam Corbett (CAYC) & Josh Reddy (BYC)
Instructor of the Year
2024: Luke McIlwaine (NYC)
2023: Sarah Cushley (SLYC)
2019: Kate Pounder (BYC)
Club Race Coach of the Year
2024: Joseph Karauzum(QUBSC)
2023: Cody Halliday (SLYC)
2019: Jess Winton (BYC)
Chair’s Award
2024: CAYC Volunteer Team, Billy Kohner (SLYC) & Gordon Kane (EABC)
2023: Graham Chambers (KYC)
This is just a glimpse of the outstanding contributions made by volunteers and clubs over the years. Let’s continue to celebrate and recognize the incredible efforts of our community by making as many nominations as possible.