Bray Sailing Club scoops top awards
BRAY SAILING CLUB training centre won two prestigious national awards at the Irish Sailing Association’s annual awards ceremony last Friday in the RDS.
The club was named National Training Centre of the Year for 2018, and Jack Hannon, senior instructor at Bray Sailing Club, was awarded the National Inclusion Award.
Presenting the awards at the Annual Awards Ceremony, attended by over 500 guests, ISA President Jack Roy said ‘ The National Training Centre Award to Bray Sailing Club is in recognition of the outstanding achievements of its Training Centre during 2018.
‘In particular Bray Sailing club has gone over and above the call of duty with their endless volunteerism, enthusiasm and encouragement to get as many people as possible afloat.
‘ This season, numbers on the water have increased again. Everyone from the youngest member to the oldest has been getting involved and getting wet, and their fleet has grown and adapted to cater for all levels and all abilities.’
Speaking after the presentation a delighted Club Commodore, Boris Fennema, said: ‘We were delighted last year to be named as East Coast Training Centre of the Year for 2017.
‘ To not only repeat that achievement again this year but to be honoured with the National Award is a truly amazing achievement for our small family club. The award recognises the effort put into our training courses for all ages both ashore and on the water.
‘It is without doubt the product of many years hard work and commitment by our Training Centre Committee and Volunteers especially the outstanding efforts of our Instructors led by Senior Instructor Jack Hannon, supported by the club membership.’
Boris said that this marks the culmination of seven years of hard work since the club decided to really make sailing a sport for all social classes, ages and abilities.
‘ Through the generosity of our members and a range of grants we have purchased boats and equipment so that access to sail training is within the reach of everyone.
‘We are looking forward to growing our involvement in the local community and in particular our work with Lakers.’
Boris said that everyone at the club is thrilled that the leadership and commitment to inclusivity of Jack Hannon was recognised.
‘Jack has been pivotal in building the relationship between Lakers and Bray Sailing Club, and developing the new programme ensuring people of all abilities get to enjoy sailing,’ he said.
‘As senior instructor, Jack has let by example and inspired a fantastic team of young instructors to do their disability training course, and help volunteer within the club, as well as at the Watersports Inclusion Games in Galway.’
Bray Sailing Club has over 300 members, ranging in age from eight to their late 80s. The club offers training courses for adults and juniors in both cruisers and dinghies, as well as powerboat and VHF radio tuition.
For details of the club’s courses and events, go to braysailingclub.ie.