A YACHTING club near Rugby has the wind in its sails after it was shortlisted for a national award.
Draycote Water Sailing Club is one of just 10 clubs around the country, and the only one in the Midlands, to have been shortlisted for the Royal Yachting Association’s (RYA) Club of the Year Award.
The club, which ten years ago was in a tough financial position following the recession and protracted lease negotiations, has been rejuvenated by investing in its facilities and training activities – and now helps over 200 local people to learn to sail every year.
Club Commodore Jeremy Atkins said the club’s development plan, supported by a Sport England grant, allowed it to increase activity and grow its membership to over 750 members.
He said: “We’re very fortunate to have strong volunteers who support our activities. But we don’t want people doing volunteer duties for more time than they are sailing, so we’ve increased our professional workforce to give us flexibility and scope to grow.
“We’re delighted what we’ve achieved as a club, and the impact it’s having within the local and wider sailing community, has been recognised with this nomination.”
The annual award celebrates the achievements of sailing clubs across the UK and promotes the hard work that goes into getting people on the water.
Michelle Gent, RYA Programmes Manager, said: “The Awards Panel was inspired to see how much activity goes on in clubs all year round and the number of volunteers who go that extra mile to make it all happen. It’s been exciting to see the varied initiatives clubs are using to increase activity and engage their membership.”
The winner will be decided by the public. Visit https://awards.yachtsandyachting.co.uk/rya to vote before the closing date of January 27.
The award will be presented at the RYA Dinghy Show at London’s Alexandra Palace on February 29.
