Cramond sailing stalwart celebrated with national recognition

Andrew Pratt of Cramond Boat Club, known to most as Drew, has been recognised with an RYA Scotland Impact Award, celebrating more than forty years of remarkable service, quiet leadership, and unwavering commitment to helping others discover the joy of sailing.

In further recognition, Drew has also been recently recognised by the wider RYA – through presentation of a national Unsung Hero Award, presented at the 2026 RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show, further exemplifying the positive impact made within the community.

Drew’s sailing journey began in the 1950s during family holidays in Stonehaven, where a simple hired rowing dinghy opened up a world of curiosity and adventure. By the early 60s, the Pratt family had restored a Shetland fishing boat – marking Drew’s first introduction to proper boat handling, coastal cruising, and the sense of freedom sailing offers.

He joined the RYA in 1967, won his first racing trophy a year later, and immediately stepped into instructing at Tighnabruaich Sailing School, beginning what would become a lifelong passion for teaching.

Four decades of transformation at Cramond Boat Club

Following a move to Edinburgh In 1984, Drew’s son joined the local Sea Scouts. Then, after being recognised by Cramond Boat Club's then Commodore as a well qualified ex-Tighnabruaich instructor, Drew was asked to come on board to support the club’s training function. Quickly, he became an essential part of the club’s offering - and the rest, as Drew says, is history.

Over the next 40 years, Drew helped transform Cramond into a vibrant training hub, with Drew particularly proud of supporting the club to achieve RYA Recognised Training Centre status in 1999.

Having served as Chief Instructor and Principal of the club’s training offering until his retirement in 2025, it’s fair to say Cramond has been a major part of Drew’s life:

“Sometimes I seem to talk about nothing but Cramond. There could be weeks where the tides have been right, and I’ve been out every day, every night."

Telling us how it feels to be recognised for all he’s put into the club, Drew said:

From leading packed courses to upskill and uplevel aspiring assistant instructors, expanding and maintaining a strong clubs training offering, and mentoring countless sailors and instructors, Drew’s impact has been far reaching.

Reflecting on the positive difference Drew has made, current Cramond Boat Club Commodore Lawrie Elliot said:

“Quite basically, there wouldn’t be any training centre here if it wasn’t for Drew. He’s been instrumental in keeping it going. There was a time in the 90’s when our training arm wasn’t as busy as it should have been – and Drew used his personal resource to keep it going. He’s a tremendous stalwart at this club.”

RYA Scotland is delighted to honour Drew’s long-standing contribution with this Impact Award, celebrating everything he has done for sailing in the Forth and beyond.

And with the added distinction of his Unsung Hero Award at the wider RYA Awards, we mark a fitting celebration of someone who has quietly given so much, for so long.

If you’ve been inspired by Drew’s story, and know someone who deserves recognition for the impact they’re making, why not nominate them for an RYA Scotland Impact Award?