Applauding remarkable impact at the 2026 RYA Awards

The outstanding contributions of volunteers, clubs and affiliated organisations across sailing and boating were celebrated at the 2026 RYA Awards on Saturday 21 February.

Held alongside the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show at Farnborough International, the annual celebration shone a spotlight on the volunteers, clubs and affiliated organisations whose energy and commitment keep the sport thriving at every level.

From extraordinary personal achievements to grassroots initiatives opening up the water to newcomers, this year’s award winners span generations — united by a selfless commitment to helping others experience the joys of sailing and boating.

Their efforts not only create welcoming, inclusive spaces where more people can get afloat, but also nurture talent, build confidence and open pathways into lifelong participation and fulfilling marine careers.

RYA CEO Sara Sutcliffe said: “The RYA Awards are a heart-warming reminder that our sport is built on people — on those who so generously give their time, share their knowledge and create opportunities for others. Reading through the nominations is always incredibly uplifting because behind each one is a story of commitment, care and community.

“These award winners represent the very best of boating. They bring people together, break down barriers and help ensure our blue spaces are accessible and enjoyable for all. Volunteers and our affiliated organisations often introduce people to the water for the very first time, create supportive environments and help ignite that spark that leads to a lifelong love or a rewarding career.

“My congratulations and thanks go to everyone recognised at the RYA Awards this year, and to the many thousands more volunteers, clubs and organisations across the country who continue to make sailing and boating possible.”

The 2026 RYA Awards recipients

Outstanding contributions

Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, Staunton Harold Sailing Club, Chipstead Sailing Club, Northampton Sailing Club and Ullswater Yacht Club were named winners across the five affiliate award categories, while remarkable individuals were also recognised for their many and varied contributions across the boating community.

Para inclusive sailor and record-breaker Jazz Turner was named as the inaugural recipient of the Endeavour Award in recognition of becoming the first disabled sailor to make a solo, non-stop and unassisted circumnavigation of the UK & Ireland, additionally raising tens of thousands of pounds for Newhaven & Seaford Sailability along the way.

Her belief in inclusive sailing has helped create new energy around Sailability’s mission and left a legacy that will support and inspire disabled sailors for years to come. She consistently uses her platform to champion others, to widen participation and to make the sport more accessible for everyone.

Lymington Town Sailing Club’s Karl Thorne was recognised with the Honor Preston Award, for individuals who’ve made significant personal efforts to increase inclusivity in boating – particularly in fostering female participation. Karl’s inspirational volunteer coaching with the Dangerous Girls group at the club has enabled every sailor in the group to build confidence and grow skills and self-belief through his generosity of time and unwavering commitment to creating supportive sessions.

Richard Horovitz and Jon Gamon, from SEAS All Afloat in Wales, were presented jointly with the Francis Elkin Award, recognising individuals who make a significant contribution in enabling people with disabilities to participate in sailing. As founders of SEAS, their remarkable vision and commitment has enabled people who otherwise wouldn’t have had the opportunity to experience boating to enjoy all that being on the water has to offer.

Huw Pearce was presented with the new Beacon Award, for his exceptional contribution to sailing through his instrumental role in the development of the Sailwave app and the development of the user guide. His expertise is invaluable to race management at all levels, from club racing to international events, and with a willingness to help both in person and remotely he has significantly improved the accuracy, professionalism and confidence of those delivering racing activity.

Forty-four more individuals were also recognised for their contributions across four awards categories – Guiding Light, Inspirational Instructor, Rising Star and Unsung Hero.

RYA Impact Awards

RYA Impact Awards are regularly presented regularly throughout the year and celebrate individuals and groups who go above and beyond to make a positive impact on everyone’s time afloat.

Don’t miss the chance to celebrate the everyday heroes of our waters – nominate today. 

Volunteers form the core of RYA, club and class initiatives, offering rewarding opportunities, friendly opportunities and assisting others to experience the water's numerous benefits.

With various volunteering options available, dedicating even a small amount of your time can create a significant impact. Find out more and help make a difference to sailing and boating.

Full list of 2026 RYA Awards recipients:

Affiliate Awards supported by Gallagher

Together on Water
This award recognises affiliates who are actively working towards a connected, inspired, and inclusive boating community.

2026 Winner: Royal Corinthian Yacht Club (East)
Finalists: Queens University of Belfast Sailing Club (Northern Ireland); SEAS All Afloat (Wales)

The Green Blue Team 
This award celebrates teams who have inspired and supported affiliates in implementing sustainable practices or introducing environmental projects that reduced carbon footprints within organisations.

2026 Winner: Staunton Harold Sailing Club (Midlands)
Finalists: Dell Quay Sailing Club (South); Greenwich Yacht Club (London & South East); University of Exeter Sailing Club (South West)

Young Person’s 
This award recognises inspiring affiliates who encourage participation, development of skills and volunteering for all their young people, fostering opportunities for individuals aged 25 and under to develop a passion for boating.

2026 winner: Chipstead Sailing Club (London & South East)
Finalist: Northampton Sailing Club (Midlands)

Active
This award celebrates RYA affiliates’ achievements in developing strong participation opportunities which enable members to stay active throughout their life on the water.

2026 Winner: Northampton Sailing Club (Midlands)
Finalists: Ballyholme Yacht Club (Northern Ireland); Royal Corinthian Yacht Club (East)

Event of the Year
This is 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.

2026 Winner: Ullswater Yacht Club for the 63rd Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy (North West)
Finalists: Parkstone Yacht Club for Parkstone Youth Week (South West); Plym Yacht Club & Saitash Sailing Club for the J/24 World Championships (South West)
Certificate of Commendation: Royal Thames Yacht Club (London & South East)

Individual Awards

The Individual Awards celebrate the exceptional commitment and achievements of volunteers across various categories, awarding not only longstanding volunteers but also committed young people and, most importantly, those who have had an impact.

Endeavour Award

Jazz Turner

Francis Elkin Award

Karl Thorne

Honor Preston Award

Richard Horovitz & Jon Gamon

Beacon Award

Huw Pearce

Guiding Light

Awarded to an individual who has been involved in leading a project or initiative that has delivered a positive impact to their organisation.

Recipients: Duncan Bates (Brading Haven Yacht Club); Jane Caldwell (Arnside Sailing Club); Chris Cox (Royal Temple Yacht Club); David Greenfield (Frampton on Severn Sailing Club); Brendan Hall (Parkstone Yacht Club); John Hawes (Aylesbury Sailing Club); Duncan Hepplewhite (Loch Lomond Sailing Club/RYA Scotland); Ditta Neumann (Aberdeen & Stonehaven Yacht Club); Justin Waples (Royal Corinthian Yacht Club); Stephen Wood (Cardigan Bay Watersports)

Inspirational Instructor

Celebrating individuals whose enthusiasm and time have made a significant difference to an organisation by offering their skills and qualifications in a volunteer role.

Recipients: James Ashworth (South Staffordshire Sailing Club); Lesley Dutton (Chipstead Sailing Club); Chris Hargreaves (Whitefriars Sailing Club/Hansa Class UK); Rodger Lancaster (Wigan and St Helens Sailing Club); Jane Long (Colne Yacht Club); Philippa Parks (Welsh Harp Sailing Club); Andrew Royall (Broadside Sailing)

Rising Star

Awarded to an exceptional young volunteer (25 or under) recognising the outstanding impact they have made to their boating community.

Recipients: Anna Ballinger (West Wilts Youth Sailing Association); Logan Bell (Rutland Sailability); Toby Bennett (University of Bath Windsurfing Club); Cody Braithwaite (Scaling Dam Sailing & Watersports Club); Coral Hookham (Manor Park Sailing Club); Samuel Hookham (Manor Park Sailing Club); Archie Pearson (Dell Quay Sailing Club); Oliver Rogers (South Staffordshire Sailing Club); Rebecca Vartan (Hill Head Sailing Club)

Unsung Hero

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.

Recipients: Sue & John Billington (South Staffordshire Sailing Club); Julia Blackman (Downs Sailing Club); Petrina Blomeley (SEAS All Afloat); Pamela & Sean Brooks (Ullswater Yacht Club); Bob Calver (RYA East Specialist Appointment Holder); Pip Deverson (Twickenham Yacht Club); Neil Ferguson (Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club); Mark Goble (Portsmouth Offshore Group Ltd); Mandy & Rob Morsley (RYA Cymru Wales); Andrew Pratt (Cramond Boat Club); John Sears (Notts County Sailing Club); Janet Stiles (Aylesbury Sailing Club); Richard Thorpe (Toddbrook Sailing Club); Joan & Steve Willis (Seasalter Sailing Club)