Welsh clubs urged to apply for RYA Club of the Year Award

Applications are now open for the RYA and Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year Awards which celebrate the outstanding achievement and promote the hard work of sailing clubs in the UK.

We spoke with Stevie Scanlan, club commodore, about Royal Anglesey Yacht Club being shortlisted for last year’s award. 

Why did your club decide to apply for the award?

We felt that we had developed our club facilities and activities in recent years it would be good to be recognised for all the hard work our volunteers had put into our club.

How did the club react to making the final shortlist?

We were ecstatic and couldn't believe it, all our members were thrilled and we all felt proud to be recognised in this way.

If a club was thinking about applying, but unsure, what would say to them?

Go for it - the application process is easy - being in the company of so many other worthy clubs gave us all a real sense of how important our sports are to so many people. The RYA Club of the year really made us feel part of a larger community.

RYA Cymru Wales CEO, Gerwyn Owen said: “The RYA and Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year Awards have always been a fantastic way for us to celebrate the huge efforts of those involved in running sailing clubs.

The past few months have been hugely challenging for clubs, so it feels more important than ever to recognise the people who have worked tirelessly to ensure that others can continue to get out on the water safety and enjoy what they love doing.

I’m genuinely proud by the hard work I’ve seen from clubs across Wales during the Covid-19 pandemic. Clubs up and down the country have lent their time and resources to helping their communities, as well as carrying out essential tasks to enable a safe return to boating.

I want to see as many clubs as possible applying for this year’s award and hope to see another Welsh club make the shortlist!”

Club applications close on 21 September. For more information on RYA and Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year Award and to complete an application form visit www.rya.org.uk/go/cluboftheyear