Chief Instructor Gary Richards and the training team at Llyn Brenig Sailing Club have been presented with an RYA Cymru Wales Impact Award in recognition of their commitment to inspiring the next generation to develop a passion for the sport.

The awards are made by the sport’s governing body in Wales to recognise the hard work of individuals and organisations who go above and beyond to support activities afloat.

Gary and the team were nominated by parent Lian Crierie at the suggestion of her nine-year-old son. She said: “The training team, through hard work and dedication, have injected a refreshed and new spirit and energy into the club. Not only have they trained many, they have also been instrumental in offering a development pathway for the juniors to develop their sailing skills. As a result we are now proud to have a growing youth squad who are developing confidence, friendships and love of the sport.

“Alongside the youth squad they have kept ‘newbies’ informed through a dedicated section in the club weekly newsletter offering advice and helpful tips. They’re also on hand to help out with any rigging or boating queries we have. The willingness of the training team to offer their time, knowledge and support means that we have a host of new sailors entering the club who have found and continue to develop their love for the sport. Diolch yn fawr!”

Gary, who is a school caretaker, took on the role of Chief Instructor at the club around in 2023, has developed a training team of around a dozen Assistant, Dinghy and Powerboat Instructors. All of the team give their time as volunteers to run activities and together have introduced nearly 100 children and 60 adults to sailing, with 110 of them gaining at least their RYA Stage 1/Level 1 Certificate.

Their enthusiasm has created a vibrant junior and youth section at the club. Its young sailors are also supported to attend events further afield - including the annual Welsh Sailing OnBoard Festival at Bala for aspiring young racers. Many have gone on to compete nationally and internationally, including gaining selection for the Welsh Sailing National Team. Others have themselves gone on to become sailing instructors and coaches.

Commenting on the presentation of the Impact Award on behalf of the training team, Gary said: “It was amazing to understand it was a child who from the heart suggested the team for an Impact Award, it means a lot to have been put forward by a young person.

“It’s a sport that can open a lot of doors and it’s nice to know that what we do has an impact on their lives and that’s why we do it. We see young people developing sailing and life skills and our sailors also come home from events with some good results. Helping them to achieve milestones they’ve worked so hard for is really rewarding.”

Looking ahead to 2026 the club is hoping to work with schools to introduce more local children to the sport via free taster sessions. The club also supports parents to get involved alongside their children so that families can enjoy the sport together.

Gary added: “Sailing is a sport that people think you need a lot of money for, and they don’t realise that at a local club like ours it’s both accessible and affordable. We have our own boats available for people to get on the water, sailing kit to borrow and fully qualified instructors.”

Llyn Brenig SC is the highest sailing club in Wales and an RYA Recognised Training Centre, offering a warm welcome and a friendly environment, with courses and activities for all ages and levels from rookies to experienced racing sailors.

Sarah McGovern, RYA Cymru Wales Performance Manager, presented the Impact Award and commented: “Gary and the team are absolute superstars, with so much drive to support the youth and junior sailors in the club. Gary often transports the boats to events for them as well, so this isn’t a barrier for sailors wanting to take part, and along with the team he volunteers his time because he just wants to see the sailors having fun. Huge congratulations to Gary and the training team at Llyn Brenig for their well-deserved Impact Award.”

Find out more by visiting Llyn Brenig Sailing Club / Clwb Hwylio Llyn Brenig or explore further information about how to get on the water at RYA Start Boating.

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.

Do you know an individual or organisation that goes the extra mile to support activities on the water in Wales? 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.

Read more and nominate for the RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards