RYA Youth Award for Milton Keynes sailor

Oliver(Olly) Anderson will receive an RYA Youth Award.  He was selected as a winner by the RYAHonours and Awards Panel and will receive his award at the organisation’sannual awards ceremony in London on 22 November. The Award is in recognition ofhis commitment to Haversham Sailing Club. 

The RYA is boating’s national governing body andthe Volunteer Awards are considered the ‘MBEs' of the sport, honouringpeople throughout the UK for their outstanding contributionsacross all the disciplines the RYA represents, including sailing, windsurfing,motor cruising, inland waterways and personal watercraft. 

Olly joined HavershamSailing Club at the age of 12 and learnt to sail in the club’s Buccaneerssection. He soon started racing, becoming a regular winner of various youthseries and trophies, but was always assisting those less experienced thanhimself, often coaching beginners as he lapped them. At 16 he became anAssistant Instructor to help with the Buccaneers and annual Junior Week and isnow an RYA Dinghy Instructor and Race Coach Level 2. 

Last year Ollyidentified the need for a transition mechanism for a large group of youthmembers in their teens from the Buccaneers to a more structured trainingprogramme in preparation for racing. He formed the Haversham Youth Squad,where, under his leadership it has become a cohesive team.  The club has since seen a marked improvementin the recruitment and retention of members with young families. Olly hasdemonstrated an impressive ability as a youth leader. He sets an excellentexample and commands the respect of his students. He has now joined the Boardand contributes fully to the management of the club. 

Olly says of his Award“I'm very grateful to have even been nominated for this award, but to winit is a shock.  I'd just like to thank everyone that has supported me andencouraged me throughout my development in sailing. I really appreciate all ofthe support and advice I’ve been given. Thanks also to Haversham Sailing Clubfor believing in me and giving me the freedom to try different things out.”  

More information about the RYA VolunteerAwards.