RYA Club of the Year 2024 winners
Draycote Water Sailing Club (DWSC) has been crowned Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Club of the Year.
The trophy was presented by Olympic gold medallist Eilidh McIntyre at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show in February.
The awards panel whittled applications from clubs across the UK down to 14 ‘exceptional finalists’ that had shown ‘an outstanding contribution to their communities.’
DWSC Commodore William Whittaker, said: “I’m speechless, it’s brilliant. This is 10 years of hard work, and we are now seeing the youth and junior sector enjoying sailing on a daily and weekly basis. The kids will be very proud because they’ve contributed to this success”.
Panel member Janet Viney said: “We were impressed with how DWSC hasn’t stood still. By introducing new groups and new opportunities, their membership has kept coming back to enjoy all the club has to offer.”
DWSC also won the Young Person’s Club of the Year category and a prize from award sponsor RS Sailing of a tailored package that includes the loan of boats, coaches, and entry to a national event.
The Community Club of the Year accolade went to Gresford Sailing Club for offering free lessons to members’ children, collaborating with charities, and hosting events for various groups. The club’s partnership with the All Afloat charity has enabled sessions for local schools. Meanwhile, the Active Club of the Year title went to Colne Yacht Club; and Green Club of the Year was awarded to Etherow Country Park Sailing Club which has embraced eco-friendly measures like rainwater harvesting, negotiated free electricity, upgraded to LED lighting, recycled waste and refurbished boats.
RYA director of sport development Rob Clark said: “We know that without the volunteers and people that make it possible for others to get afloat, sailing wouldn’t be viable as a sport. Hopefully, Club of the Year goes a small way to recognise the huge efforts they make”.