Impact Award for children's sailing charity trustee

Recognition for Petrina Blomeley of All Afloat

28 Jul 25

All Afloat charity trustee Petrina Blomeley by the water in North Wales with her RYA CW Impact Award.

A trustee from a Welsh sailing charity that aims to transform young lives through access to sailing and boating has been honoured with an Impact Award.

Petrina Blomeley from All Afloat has been recognised in the RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards, which are run by the boating’s governing body to applaud those who go above and beyond to support activities on the water.

All Afloat provides inclusive opportunities and pathways for children and young people and since its inception 8 years ago, the charity has supported 10 RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Recognised Training Centres across North, West, and South Wales, delivering over £150,000 worth of projects.

These efforts by the charity have resulted in more than 4,500 sessions for over 3,500 young people, opening doors to RYA certificates such as Introduction to Sailing, Stages 1 and 2, and Dinghy Instructor qualifications.

Life skills

Petrina strongly believes that sport goes beyond physical health by fostering essential life skills and long-term engagement, and has seen first-hand how boating and watersports can change lives for the better.

She said: “Sailing teaches vital life skills such as confidence, self-reliance, teamwork, and physical literacy. The children involved in these programmes are transforming their own futures - connecting with new, active peer groups and seeing role models in older participants who have become assistant instructors.

“They discover that a future in sport, whether recreational or professional, is within their reach. All Afloat does more than introduce sailing; it builds a lifelong love for sport and empowers young people to thrive.”

Group of cheering children in red buoyancy aids on shore at Gresford SC during an All Afloat session.

Petrina brought over 40 years of business administration experience to her role as a trustee at All Afloat, joining the board in 2020. Her career spans both the private and non-profit sectors, with leadership roles focused on operational management, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement.

Known for her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for supporting others to become the best version of themselves, Petrina lives by the mantra: "Make it happen."

From 2017 to 2024, Petrina led the development of sailing and watersports as part of the curriculum at Rydal Penrhos School’s RYA Training Centre, serving as administrator and sailing principal. Her work created a safe and engaging environment for students to experience water-based learning.

Innovative

During this period, she also contributed to the wider watersports community as Secretary of Conwy Sailing and Watersports, and she continues to serve as note-taker for RYA Cymru Wales North Regional meetings.

Becoming a trustee for All Afloat was a natural progression. Founded in 2017 by Phil Braden, then CEO of RYA Cymru Wales, the pioneering charity provides inclusive sailing and boating opportunities to young people across Wales, regardless of background or ability. Through innovative programmes, the charity breaks down barriers to create clear, supported pathways into sailing.

Half a dozen children lining up on a pontoon waiting to climb into children's dinghies with help from an instructor at an All Afloat day hosted by Gresford SC.

For the future, Petrina is also keen to expand All Afloat’s environmental education efforts. With a deep love for lifelong learning, she is in her final year of a BSc in Environmental Science with The Open University. Her academic focus complements her role as trustee and she aims to inspire young sailors not only to enjoy the water, but also to become its stewards.

With a commitment to promoting sustainable practices and helping the next generation understand their impact on the environment, Petrina hopes to encourage “respect, responsibility, and positive action for our planet”.

Petrina said she was honoured to receive an Impact Award in recognition of the work being done through All Afloat, adding: “It is a reflection of the shared commitment and passion of everyone involved in making sailing accessible and life-changing for young people across Wales.”

Inclusive

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.

Previous award recipients have included teenager Keira Edwards, who was inspired by an All Afloat taster session at the age of 8, and is now giving back to the sport as a sailing instructor at Neyland Yacht Club in Pembrokeshire.

RYA Cymru Wales Club Development Officer Hester Walker said: “Petrina has volunteered for All Afloat for an extended period of time and in addition to helping to ensure the charity continues, her work directly supports our Croeso and ‘get on the water’ strategic themes, helping to deliver activity that seeks to improve accessibility to boating.

"We’re delighted to present an Impact Award to Petrina in recognition of her outstanding commitment to providing sailing opportunities for children and young people across Wales.”

Find out about All Afloat and discover more about getting on the water at RYA Start Boating.

Half a dozen children gathered around on shore listening to an instructor at an All Afloat day hosted by Gresford SC.

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.