Voting opens for RYA and Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year Award 2021

RYA Club of the Year trophy © Paul Wyeth

Voting is now open for the 2021 RYA and Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year Award, supported by Gallagher.

The annual award recognises the outstanding achievement of sailing clubs across the UK and promotes the hard work and dedication that goes into running a successful club.

The RYA Awards Panel have selected 10 finalists for 2021.

The 2021 finalists are:

• Bolton Sailing Club
• Chelmarsh Sailing Club
• Debdale Outdoor Activity Club
• Emsworth Sailing Club
• Guernsey Yacht Club
• Island Barn Reservoir Sailing Club
• Port Dinorwic Sailing Club / Clwb Hwylio Y Felinheli
• Prestwick Sailing Club
• Ripon Sailing Club
• Strangford Sailing Club

• Bolton Sailing Club- 'Inclusive and Open to All'
• Debdale Outdoor Activity Club- 'Modern and Innovative'
• Emsworth Sailing Club- 'Sustainability'
• Port Dinorwic Sailing Club / Clwb Hwylio Y Felinheli - 'Heart of the Community'

Find more information about each Club of the Year finalist and cast your vote.

This year the panel have also awarded special commendations to Cowes Sailability for their work connecting with isolated members and Llandudno Sailing Club for becoming an integral part of the North Wales Ysbty Enfys whilst enabling members to return to boating as quickly as possible.

Michelle Gent, RYA Programmes Manager said: "A huge congratulations to all ten Club of the Year finalists. This has been an especially challenging year for clubs and the people involved in the running of these organisations have worked tirelessly so that others can safely get afloat. Now it's over to you to pick a winner!"

Rob Peake, group editor of Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting, said: "Anyone who started at club level as a child, or who joined a club as their entry to the sailing world as an adult, knows how vital that experience can be.

"A good club will show you how to get better at sailing and encourage you to continue sailing. A great club will help you simply enjoy sailing - and it will welcome people from all parts its local community. The Club of the Year Award is unique in that it recognises the hard work that goes on behind the scenes by volunteers to make sailing clubs great, and to encourage more people into our sport."

Voting will close on 25th January 2021. The overall winner will be announced at the RYA Virtual Dinghy Show.

Find more information about RYA and Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year here.

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