Welsh Sailing launches new performance awards

RYA Cymru Wales has launched an exciting collection of awards to celebrate the success of Welsh racing sailors and their coaches.

Championing those who represent Wales on a national or world stage, the awards also recognise those who help youth sailors to achieve their goals.

The four awards have been named as follows:

• Arwr Y Dwr / Hero of the Water
• Welsh Young Sailor/s of the Year
• Coaching Chain Impact Award
• Welsh Sail / Hwyl Cymru

Sarah McGovern, Chief Operating Officer for RYA Cymru Wales, said: “We’re delighted to introduce these awards to shine a spotlight on our talented Welsh sailors, and the individuals who are so influential in enabling our youth sailors to achieve top tier results.

“We hope to reward the huge amount of hard work and enthusiasm our aspiring racing sailors and coaches put into their sport, while also inspiring those at the beginning of their sailing journey through to competitors of all ages who we’re so proud to see representing Wales.”

The awards were created in collaboration with the Welsh Sailing Youth Lab, a group of sailors aged 14 to 23 who are bringing fresh energy and ideas to the sport in Wales.

The group was particularly involved in designing and developing the Welsh Sail / Hwyl Cymru   awards to recognise those competing for Team Wales, with the first of these presented to the 40-strong team which took part in the Eric Twiname Junior Championships in May 2026.

Representing Wales

Arwr Y Dwr / Hero of the Water: This award will recognise Welsh sailors aged under 19 who have been selected to compete, or medal, at the highest level, as follows:

• Selected for the Youth Commonwealth Games
• Selected for the World Sailing Youth World Championships
• Selected for the Optimist World or European Championships (other class internationals are open event and do not require selection)
• Medalled at a Class World or European Championships

Welsh Young Sailor of the Year Award: Reintroduced this year with its presentation to Youth Worlds 2025 gold medallist Merle Nieuwland, this award is for Welsh sailor/s aged under 19 with the highest outcome result from he criteria set out for the Arwr Y Dwr award.

Coaching Chain Impact Award: For coaches / volunteers who have been part of a Youth (U19) Welsh sailor's journey to achieving a considerable performance outcome. For example: medalled at the Youth Commonwealth Games; World Sailing Youth Worlds selection; World or European championship medal. Sailors may nominate up to three coaches:

• Club coach – who will have had the initial engagement and influence on the sailor.
• Junior coach – setting the foundations and starting to foster a performance mind set.
• Youth coach – who will have helped refine the sailor’s skills and campaign management.

Welsh Sail / Hwyl Cymru: Think Welsh Rugby Cap but instead we have Welsh Sail/ Hwyl Cymru! For sailors of all ages to collect and display with pride on a free keychain:

• Gold Sail – Awarded along with the Arwr Y Dwr / Hero of the Water Award (as above) for any Welsh sailor(s) (U19) selected to compete or medalling at the highest level
• Red Sail – Team Wales – For sailors who represent Wales at an event, for example: the Eric Twiname Championships, Celtic Cup or Youth Commonwealth Games, and sailors selected for the Welsh National Sailing Team.
• Light Blue Sail – for any Welsh sailor who competes at a World or European Championships in any class.
• Green Sail – For any Welsh sailor who competes at a UK National Championship in any class, or is selected for a GBR Squad.
• Dark Blue Sail – for anyone who volunteers at RYA Cymru Wales events.

Sailors can apply for the Welsh Sail / Hwyl Cymru awards through an online application form.

Presentations

The new awards were approved by the Performance Sub Committee of RYA Cymru Wales, which will review nominations annually, or quarterly, when criteria events have been completed.

Presentations will take place where possible at the Welsh Youth & Junior Championships in September each year, and for any events that take place between then and 31st December, the awards will be presented in the January.

Find out more about RYA Cymru Wales awards!