A couple from Port Dinorwic have received awards from both Welsh Sailing and the Royal Yachting Association in recognition of their volunteering at events.

Robert and Mandy Morsley have been presented with a Welsh Sailing Impact Award for going above and beyond to support activities afloat, and an RYA Award celebrating ‘Unsung Heros’ who selflessly give their time to help the sport thrive.

The dedicated duo first started helping out when their two children got hooked on sailing, with Robert, aka Moley, driving powerboats to assist with mark laying, and Mandy providing support onshore, including as a ‘house parent’ at residential camps, and in the race office at regattas.

Although their own children are now grown up so they no longer have a direct link with Welsh Sailing squads and events for children and young people, the pair have continued to give up their weekends to support the next generation.

Mandy said it was a lovely surprise to receive the Awards: “You don’t think of it as volunteering, you do it because the system doesn’t work without people being a part of it, so if someone needs help to run an event, you just go along and do it.

“We’re not ‘sit around’ people so when our own children were taking part we decided to get involved. Children are happier if their parents are around to provide support and learn about the sport, and if you’re helping out on the water or on the beach, you’re also getting your Vitamin D and socialising.

“We’ve carried on because you want to know that it’s going to continue and that you’re giving something back because our own children got a lot out of sailing. You’re hoping to share your experience with other up and coming parents and get them involved too, so they enjoy being a part of it and have the skills to take over, because the sport doesn’t work without volunteers. It means a lot to the children to be competing at events and you want to make sure they have the right support and a really positive experience.”

Teamwork

Children and young people gain essential life skills alongside sailing – including communication, teamwork and confidence - and develop friendships for life through training and competing at club, regional and national events.

Mandy and Moley, who are both members of Port Dinorwic Sailing Club / Clwb Hwylio Y Feliniheli, first met each other through sailing at a local regatta and over the years have raced in a variety of classes, including the Enterprise, Scorpion, RS400 and RS200, returning in recent years to the Scorpion, including taking part in national championships. Their own children likewise continue to be involved in the sport, and daughter Hatty is Pathway & Events Officer for RYA Cymru Wales.

The couple’s journey in the sport has seen well over a decade of volunteering. Mandy was volunteer coordinator for the Optimist European Championships 2015 at Plas Heli, managing over 110 volunteers across two weeks during the very first week of the opening of the new venue – with the volunteer team also including Moley as a mark layer and Hatty as a foils measurer assistant.

The RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards recognise those who go the extra mile to inspire people to enjoy watersports in line with its Together on our Waters strategy to create a connected, inspired and inclusive sailing and boating community.

Sarah McGovern, Chief Operating Officer for RYA Cymru Wales, said: “Moley and Mandy are experienced, qualified and supportive in offering guidance to staff and other volunteers. They are great role models showing how to give back to the sport. Support from experienced parents at our events is invaluable because they help to mentor other volunteers and parents.”

The 2026 RYA Awards were presented at a celebration held at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show by Chief Executive Sara Sutcliffe, who 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.”

Visit Port Dinorwic Sailing Club / Clwb Hwylio Y Feliniheli or discover more about how to get on the water at RYA Start Boating.

Do you know an individual or organisation that goes the extra mile to support activities afloat? RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards recognise the hard work of individuals and organisations, including participants, staff and volunteers; instructors, coaches and race officials; clubs, classes and centres: Nominate for the RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards