Royal presentation for London and South East volunteers

Eight volunteers from the London and South East were presented with prestigious awards by HRH the Princess Royal, president of the RYA, in recognition of their exceptional generosity and commitment to the sport at grassroots level, at the RYA’s annual awards held at One Great George Street, London on Friday 19 November.

Rob Cage received a National Award for being instrumental in leading the UKLA (formerly UK Laser Class Association) over the last four years, through a very challenging period, initially as Vice Chair and now Chair. He has transformed the Committee, rewriting the constitution and updating the website and electronic media. He has been influential in rekindling strong relationships between the association and the RYA, LaserPerformance, and other organisations. His open, inclusive style has created an environment where a broad base of volunteers readily supports UKLA events.

A Lifetime Commitment Award went to Leo Bridger who has been a valuable member of King George V Reservoir Sailing Club for almost 40 years, serving on Council three times, always assuming the roles that require hard graft, commitment and effort. He quietly and consistently undertakes all manner of ‘behind the scenes’ maintenance tasks which keep the club going, without seeking recognition or reward.

There were Outstanding Commitment Awards for Alan Todd and Stephen White:

Alan has been an active, racing member of Crawley Mariners Yacht Club for many decades. Currently Estate Manager, he oversees regular maintenance work and refurbished the club’s floating racing platform. During the winter of 2019-2020 he volunteered to project manage and helped complete the refurbishment of the club’s changing rooms, showers and heating system. This saved the club a significant amount of money and ensured the best specification at an affordable cost.

Stephen has been a member of Cody Sailing Club for ten years. During this time, he has volunteered in most club officer roles and has been a significant driving force, promoting dinghy cruising within the RYA and the Comet Trio Association. The club hugely benefits from his work with the RYA, developing and maintaining the club dinghies and equipment, inspiring and encouraging members at all levels to develop their sailing and designing and managing the club’s IT.

Young Volunteer Awards went to Joshua Dumbrill, Thomas Knight and Tristan Beckett:

Josh joined Croydon Sailing Club (CSC) aged 12 after learning to sail with the Croydon Youth and Schools Sailing Association (CYSSA). His interest in teaching developed and he regularly volunteered at CYSSA at weekends, becoming an RYA Dinghy Instructor. Quick to realise the benefits of unifying the two organisations to co-ordinate sailing for youth, families and adults, he has worked consistently to bring them together. Josh was instrumental in putting together a bid for Sport England Tackling Inequalities Funding (TIF) to enable a substantial number of scouts from disadvantaged areas to try sailing and kayaking.

Thomas supported the younger members of Maidenhead Sailing Club as a junior sailor, and was always willing to take on any jobs that needed doing. As he grew older, he took on more responsibility, passing through the Assistant Instructor pathway. Every day during lockdown he cycled to the club to check on everything mowing the lawn and fixing boats and motors. During the summer of 2020, he was one of a number of young members who acted as Club Facilitators, helping new members and novices to rig boats, find equipment and offer informal coaching. He was so popular and capable that numerous members asked for him specifically to provide them with one-to- one coaching. Now a Dinghy Instructor, he unfailingly supports the club’s youth and junior sessions, and acts as Race Officer for many of their regattas.

Tristan joined Datchet Water Sailing Club aged eight. Now 23, he has never stopped smiling and is always on hand to volunteer. He has progressed from Assistant Instructor to Senior Instructor and Power Boat Instructor, running the Youth Group and the This Girl Can group, as well as other courses. He prepares well, leaving nothing to chance, making useful videos or charts to help his students. A club Race Officer and a Safety Coxswain, he has also taken on the role of Event Manager. He served an apprenticeship at the club before gaining full-time work for British Airways. When he was furloughed during the pandemic, he went to the club every day to move pontoons, check the site, and clean RIBs. He also designed a ‘virtual club house’ to keep members in touch throughout lockdown restrictions.

And finally there was one unsung hero who declined publicity.

Our thanks and congratulations go to them all.

Read about and see video of the presentation ceremony

Find out more about the RYA Volunteer Awards