Impact Award for Welsh Sailing volunteers

A couple who volunteer countless hours of their time to support young racing sailors have been recognised with an RYA Cymru Wales Impact Award.

Sharon and Graham Davidson-Guild first started supporting youth sailing when their own children were taking part in training and championships.

Both have since continued to provide vital volunteer support both ashore and on the water for Welsh Sailing / Hwylio Cymru events - Graham with mark laying and Sharon helping shore side with registration, results and the race office.

The Welsh Sailing Impact Awards are made by the sport’s governing body, RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Cymru Wales, to recognise the hard work of individuals and organisations who support activities afloat.

Feedback from parents often cites the contribution of volunteers, including Sharon and Graham, with comments such as ‘warm and welcoming’, ‘inclusive and attentive’, ‘committed to safety’, ‘friendly, reassuring and encouraging’.

Sharon said: “We became involved in supporting events when our children got into sailing - I don’t like sitting around doing nothing and neither does Graham, so we’d rather be helping. Graham got involved on the water with mark laying and I’ve done the results forever, along with registration because I like meeting people - especially those who are new to it - and making sure they feel welcome.”

Sharon and Graham, who both work full time in finance and aircraft servicing respectively, support weekend events and take holiday to help out at major week-long championships such as the 2025 RYA Youth Nationals at Pwllheli.

The couple would recommend volunteering to anyone involved in sport, as giving even a little time can make a big difference. As Sharon explains: “Every small thing helps, even if it is just making someone a cup of tea because they haven’t had one all day. It all comes together to make something run smoothly, so every role is important, and whatever contribution you can make as a volunteer will help to make a success of the overall picture.

“Our children, and all of us as a family, have got a lot out of sailing, so for us it’s about giving something back. We also find volunteering really rewarding. You meet lots of different people and there’s great camaraderie. It’s fun and we’ve made some really good friends and lots of memories.”

Sharon and Graham are members of Trearddur Bay Sailing Club on Anglesey, where they are involved with dinghy racing, and Graham also sails yachts out of Pwllheli. Sharon ran the club’s training week for six years and now supports race officer duties and the Miscellaneous Class.

For three years, Sharon was chair of the UK Optimist Class for junior sailors, receiving an RYA Community Award in 2020 for her Outstanding Contribution, and from then until recently coordinated admin for the 420 youth class.

Sarah McGovern, Chief Operating Officer for RYA Cymru Wales, said: “Having experienced parents supporting our events is invaluable to getting them to run.

Sharon and Graham haven't had any sailors in our Welsh Sailing squads for a few years now as they have aged out, but they continue to provide much valued support for events, and when asked to come and help, they do not hesitate. They are skilled and qualified, helping to bring a high standard to our events, and offer a huge amount of knowledge and support to the staff and parents.”

Welsh Sailing Impact Awards recognise the hard work of individuals and organisations who go the extra mile to help people enjoy getting on the water, in line with the RYA Cymru Wales Together on our Waters strategy to create a connected, inspired and inclusive sailing and boating community.

Discover more about Welsh Sailing / Hwylio Cymru or explore the ways you get involved at RYA Volunteering.