The Matthew Toynbee Youth Impact Award

[Image by David Frame]

As a well-known and well-loved face within the sailing community, Matt Toynbee made a far-reaching impact felt personally by many. RYA Scotland is honoured to have felt Matt’s positive influence first hand throughout his time and contribution as a valued member of the RYA staff team.

Following a period of private reflections and change, we are now taking some time to outwardly recognise and celebrate Matt’s life and impact.

Earlier this month [June 2025], we were honoured to continue Matt’s legacy with creation of a new award in his memory - the Matthew Toynbee Youth Impact Award - which was presented to its first ever recipients at the RYA Scotland Youth and Junior Championships.

Established with support from Matt’s family, the award is designed to recognise a range of values and traits that Matt endorsed, nurtured, and upheld exceptionally:

• Resilience in the face of challenges, both on and off the water
• Supportiveness of their peers and a strong sense of team spirit
• Humility and integrity in how they conduct themselves
• Passion, fun and creativity for the sport, along with a willingness to learn and grow
• The best attitude, even when things don’t go their way

Designed to be awarded annually, this year the award was presented jointly to two recipients - Ruairi Herrington of Largs Sailing Club and Finlay Davidson of Dalgety Bay Sailing Club who were recognised for the positive impact they’re each making.

Moving forwards, we hope this award will offer another opportunity, beyond the conversations we will all continue to have, for Matt’s legacy and impact to continue.

When reflecting upon the hugely positive influence Matt made within the Scottish sailing community, we have felt an overwhelming feeling of gratitude and pride.

Those who had the pleasure of meeting and knowing Matt will understand and appreciate his many contributions across different clubs, centres, classes, coaching networks, and communities. They’ll also reflect fondly on his undeniable passion and fantastic sense of humour.

In 2007, Matt joined the workforce at sportscotland’s National Watersports Centre on Cumbrae as a talented young instructor who taught across dinghy, windsurf, and yachting. As a highly skilled hard worker with great attention to detail, Matt’s impact was felt deeply by those around him.

Following his time at Cumbrae, Matt moved on and took on the role of Chief Instructor at Port Edgar where he helped even more sailors, young and old, unlock a passion for being on the water.

From Port Edgar, Matt joined the RYA Scotland performance department, working with Nick Scott to help talented young sailors meet their full potential – a role he truly excelled in.

Matt continued to progress within RYA Scotland, later succeeding Nick Scott as Performance Manager allowing him to continue supporting and nurturing countless sailors along their own journeys.

As RYA Scotland, we are grateful for Matt’s time, dedication, and influential input across our youth and junior performance pathway. We are also immensely grateful for the positivity, laughs, and anecdotes Matt shared with the team over many years.

Reflecting on Matt’s character, RYA Director of Racing Nick Scott said:

“Matt threw himself into everything he did, from mark laying to ocean racing, to ripping it up on his wing foil. Matt could turn his hand to anything.

“He was always the kind of guy who would do anything to help. If you need something, Matt was the first to step up.

“His enthusiasm for all things sailing has been infectious, and I have met many sailors inspired to pursue a life in sailing after meeting Matt.

“Always the creative mind, Matt loved challenging the norm and pushing boundaries in coaching, searching for new ways to help young people realise their potential in our sport - a great coach, leader and man.”

There is lots to be said when remembering Matt, and we appreciate that many within of the sailing community have been reflecting and reminiscing in their own way over the past while.

We encourage everyone who knew Matt to have these conversations, and to continue remembering his impact.