Northampton Sailing Club has transformed its fortunes by reconnecting with its members and local community to get more people on the water, more often.

Winner of the Active title at the RYA Awards 2026, and also a finalist in the Young Person’s category, Northampton SC was recognised its achievements and ongoing drive to create strong participation pathways for all ages.

Just a few years ago, the club was facing financial uncertainty and a declining, ageing membership. By making membership more affordable, revitalising training opportunities and actively promoting everything the club has to offer, the club has doubled its membership from around 400 to nearly 1,000.

As Commodore Sarah Carswell explains: “In 2019 the club was financially in a situation where we were about to close. To build that back up we reduced memberships down by about 40%, which made us a lot more competitive, and did a lot more advertising and since then, that’s when it’s kind of grown now to where we are today.”

The club offers dinghy sailing, windsurfing, winging, paddleboarding and kayaking, and with open days and taster sessions alongside an enhanced programme for existing and would-be members, the club has successfully raised its profile and generated more activity both on and off the water.

A thriving Pirates group, led by the club’s RYA Senior Instructor and RYA Training Centre Lead with a team of volunteers, supports 60+ young sailors and windsurfers aged 8-16 from beginner level through to racing. The club has also gained RYA Pathway Club status and set up a youth race squad supporting progression into regional competition.

Additionally, there is free adult race coaching supported by the club’s experienced sailors, helping members to develop their skills and bridging the gap into club racing, with attendees ranging from complete beginners to those who have raced before but would like to, as one member expressed, “Be Less Last!”.

Encouraging club members to get more involved, including by volunteering, has played a vital role in boosting activities. Members benefit from discounted rates for RYA courses and the club supports those who want to develop coaching and instructor skills. Six windsurfers, for example, trained to Intermediate Instructor level to run sessions for those wanting to learn or return to the sport, with members aged from 10 through to 78 taking part, leading to a strong and growing group of windsurfers at the club.

For the future, Northampton SC aims to continue providing a friendly, inclusive and welcoming environment that actively inspires participation and encourages members who want to give back and be a part of the club’s success.

Sharing insights into the ethos that has given the club a renewed sense of community and optimism for the future, Sarah believes it’s essential for clubs to celebrate what they offer: “Promote what you do. Don’t be afraid of bigging yourself up because nobody else is going to do it for you. Make opportunities and get the club members involved in doing it because it’s in their interests to try and help people get out on the water. Just start with them: see what they want to put into the club to get out something at the other end.”

Find out more about Northampton SC and learn how they doubled membership with a makeover.

RYA Awards

RYA Awards shine a spotlight on those who make our sport accessible and go the extra mile to help people get the most out of their time on the water.

Do you know an individual, club, class or organisation deserving of recognition?  The 2027 RYA Awards are now open and they are a fantastic way to say thank you:

• Impact Awards – Recognising individuals, clubs, and organisations who go above and beyond to make boating and sailing more successful, sustainable, and inclusive.
• Awards for Organisations - Celebrating the vital contribution of clubs, classes and other affiliated organisations in five categories: Together on Water; The Green Blue Team; Young Person’s; Active; Event of the Year.

Explore all the information you need at RYA Awards.