Couple’s delight at top award

Sailing

A New Romney couple will be presented with one of the Royal Yachting Association’s most prestigious awards by HRH the Princess Royal, president of the RYA, in recognition of their commitment to Varne Watersports Club.

Zalan Paksy and Jane Glanida were nominated for an Outstanding Contribution award by their club and have been selected as winners by the RYA Honours and Awards Panel.

They will receive their award at the RYA’s annual awards ceremony in London on Friday, November 24.

Paksy is commodore at the club and, apart from all the usual duties, he is normally found training new members to operate launching vehicles, or underneath the vehicles fixing them.

He has also been instrumental in raising funds for a Topper Taz fleet and securing a Sport England Inspired Facilities grant.

Glanida is safeguarding officer and first aider. She likes to cook which means everyone at the club eats well for free at most sailing evenings and she cleans the whole clubhouse every week.

Their contribution ensures that the club is friendly and inclusive, have a growing membership and more children safely and confidently out on the water.

Their children, Zane and Zara, have also encouraged many more youngsters to join, along with their parents.

Paksy said: “After the initial surprise of opening the letter and reading about our nomination, we were pleased that the VWC’s efforts and ethos has been recognised. Jane and I only play a small part in creating a friendly and inviting place for all who want to dip their toes in (literally). However, without the dedication and zeal of the many everyday volunteers we have, any one individual’s efforts would be futile.

“Receiving drive us to our sport to community.” this recognition will carry on promoting the local and wider

Jane Glanida and Zalan Paksy