When Ben and Jono Shelley received a surprise RYA Scotland Impact Award earlier this year, it was clear their influence extends far beyond their own time on the water.

While their own achievements and sailing credentials are notable in their own right – including top spot in the 2025 J/109 UK National Championship and J/109 fleet at the 2025 Fastnet Race - the real story is the impact they have had on the people around them.

Through yacht racing, active youth development and wider class association activity, the brothers have spent years creating opportunities for others to get involved, develop skills and become part of Scotland's thriving sailing community.

A significant part of that story centres around Mocking-J, their Clyde-based yacht. Through an open and welcoming approach, Ben and Jono have cultivated a large crew community where experienced racers, young dinghy sailors and everyone in between can get involved.

Over the years, that ethos has introduced many sailors to keelboat racing, helped build confidence, friendships and a lasting connection to our sport.

On accepting their RYA Scotland Impact Award, Ben said:

“We certainly don’t set out to win awards, or hear such kind words said about you… but we set out to have fun, and do it in the right way.”

And on hearing some of said kind words from crew members during award presentation, Jono reflected:

“Nights like this make you realise that you go sailing to compete with your mates and have a laugh… but it truly does make an impact which is super cool.”

The brothers’ commitment to developing sailors is particularly evident in the opportunities they're creating for young people. Working with Largs Sailing Clubs, they have regularly welcomed cadet dinghy racers aboard Mocking-J, giving them the chance to experience sailing on a larger boat for the first time.

For many young sailors, it has been an eye-opening introduction to a different side of the sport, helping them develop new skills while broadening their understanding of the many pathways sailing can offer. And with Ben’s daughter, Kate, now a Scottish Sailing Team ILCA Sailor, he’s contributing to RYA Scotland’s own Performance Pathway – offering the support it takes for Kate to unlock her potential, and push her sailing as far as she wants to take it.

Reflecting on her Dad and Uncle’s impact, Kate said:

“They make such a difference in the community. And with my own sailing, I wouldn’t be where I am without these two telling me to hike harder!”

The Shelley's contribution is not confined to the Clyde. They have also been key figures within the Musto Skiff community, helping coordinate Scottish events and maintain an active calendar that gives sailors opportunities to race closer to home.

Their willingness to organise, encourage participation and bring people together highlights the often unseen work that helps classes and sailing communities flourish.

What stands out most is that their impact has not only been about a single result, race or championship. Instead, it comes from consistently bringing people together, creating opportunities and making sailing more accessible to those keen to give it a go.

As Scottish sailing evolves, the example set by Ben and Jono makes clear that strong sailing communities do not happen by accident. They are built by volunteers, organisers, mentors and sailors who are willing to open the door for others.

Know someone who deserves an Impact Award? Put in a nomination today.