Inspiration and commitment celebrated at 2025 RYA Awards

The exceptional contributions of sailing and boating volunteers, clubs and affiliated organisations were recognised at the 2025 RYA Awards on Saturday 22 February.

This year, the RYA combined its much-loved Club of the Year and Volunteer Awards into one inspiring celebration, held alongside the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show at Farnborough International.

Individuals and groups at the very heart of our boating communities were lauded for their unwavering dedication and initiatives that enable and inspire countless others to enjoy blue spaces.

“It’s always so inspiring and humbling to read through the many nominations we receive for RYA Awards, from amazing clubs and organisations, young people giving back to a sport they love, to those whose selfless involvement has spanned decades,” said RYA Director of Sport Development Rob Clark.

“Our volunteers and affiliates really demonstrate the power of community, often giving others their first experiences of what we hope will become a lifetime’s passion, creating welcoming and supportive communities, or perhaps inspiring others to train for careers across the marine sector.

“Congratulations and thank you to all those we’ve recognised at the RYA Awards this year – but also to the many more who give their time to support sailing and boating in so many ways.”  

Read the full list of 2025 RYA Award winners

Outstanding contributions

Sea View Yacht Club, West Wiltshire Youth Sailing Association, North Devon Yacht Club, Newhaven and Seaford Sailing Club, and West Lancashire Yacht Club’s 24 Hour Race were named winners across the five affiliate categories, while remarkable individuals were also recognised for their many and varied contributions across the boating community.

Honorary Life Membership is the RYA’s highest individual honour, acknowledging those who have given exceptional service to the RYA and to boating, with Chris Simon and John Derbyshire OBE (pictured above) both awarded Honorary Life Memberships this year. 

Having sailed for over 70 years, Chris Simon has volunteered on various RYA Committees including Council since 1979. Holding a variety of roles including RYA Treasurer, RYA Racing Rules Case Book editor, Racing Rules Committee member, International Judge, Race Officer & Umpire, Regional Rules Advisor (amongst others), he has supported both the RYA and its numerous affiliated organisations for over 45 years.

John Derbyshire OBE attended eight Olympic Games as a coach (including to Sir Ben Ainslie, Shirley Robertson OBE, Iain Percy OBE, Andrew Simpson MBE and Hugh Styles) and was Team Manager for both the British Olympic and Paralympic sailing teams. He was Director of Racing at the RYA, retiring after 27 years of service. John’s volunteering positions have included being a trustee at the Andrew Simpson Foundation, Chair of the World Sailing Events Committee and a dedicated committee member at Emsworth Sailing Club.

Inspiring individuals

Outside of the main Individual Awards categories, Jon Holt of the Greig City Academy was especially recognised as an ‘Inspirational Guiding Light’. 

A geography teacher and head of outdoor education in one of the most deprived boroughs in London, Jon’s mission has been to expose youngsters at this inner-city state school to activities they would otherwise would never have considered or been able to experience, culminating in his talented young sailors racing in the Round the Island Race and becoming the first high school to complete the Rolex Fastnet Race.

In addition to receiving Rising Star awards, celebrating outstanding contributions by under 25-year-old volunteers, Zoë Goodden (Winsford Flash Sailing Club) and Ellia Rhodes (Anderton Centre) were also given special honours. 

Zoë was awarded the Honor Preston Award for being an outstanding young role model for her efforts in race management and boat management, while Ellia picked up the Francis Elkin Award for her efforts making sailing accessible to all.

RYA Impact Awards

Outside of the annual awards, RYA Impact Awards are regularly presented throughout the year and celebrate individuals and groups who go above and beyond to make a positive impact on everyone’s time afloat.

Nominations are open, so don’t miss the chance to celebrate the everyday heroes of our waters.

Make a difference today

Volunteers form the core of RYA and club initiatives, offering rewarding opportunities and assisting others to experience the water's numerous benefits.

With various volunteering options available, dedicating even a small amount of your time can create a significant impact. Find out more and make a difference today.

Full list of 2025 RYA Awards recipients:

Affiliate Awards supported by Gallagher

Together on Water
This award recognises affiliates who are actively working towards a connected, inspired, and inclusive boating community.

2025 Winner: Sea View Yacht Club (South)
Finalists: Arden Sailing Club (Midlands); Ripon Sailing Club (North East)

The Green Blue Team 
This award celebrates teams who have inspired and supported affiliates in implementing sustainable practices or introducing environmental projects that reduced carbon footprints within organisations.

2025 Winner: West Wiltshire Youth Sailing Association (South West)
Finalists: ILCA 6 Youth European Championships & Open Trophy (Northern Ireland); Staunton Harold Sailing Club (Midlands)

Young Person’s 
This award recognises inspiring affiliates who encourage participation, development of skills and volunteering for all their young people, fostering opportunities for individuals aged 25 and under to develop a passion for boating.

2025 winner: North Devon Yacht Club (South West)
Finalists: Northampton Sailing Club (Midlands); Prestwick Sailing Club (Scotland); Winsford Flash Sailing Club (North West)

Active
This award celebrates RYA affiliates’ achievements in developing strong participation opportunities which enable members to stay active throughout their life on the water. 

2025 Winner: Newhaven and Seaford Sailing Club (London & South East)
Finalists: Oceans of Hope UK (South); Royal Naval Sailing Association (Nationwide)

Event of the Year
This is presented to volunteer groups behind successful affiliate organised events that align with the RYA's Together on Water objectives of inclusion, inspiration, engagement, connections, influence, and sustainability. 

2025 Winner: WLYC 24 Hour Race - West Lancashire Yacht Club (North West)
Finalists: Wellchild Summer Splash - Carsington Sailing Club (Midlands); Youth Week - Parkstone Yacht Club (South West)

Individual Awards

The Individual Awards celebrate the exceptional commitment and achievements of volunteers across various categories, awarding not only longstanding volunteers but also committed young people and, most importantly, those who have had an impact.

Honorary Life Membership
Chris Simon
John Derbyshire OBE

Guiding Light
This is awarded to an individual who has been involved in leading a project or initiative that has delivered positive impact to their organisation and/or grassroots participation.

Recipients: Anne Clark (Nottinghamshire County Sailing Club); Nick Lightbody (National Scorpion Association/Shoreham Sailing Club); Rosie Newport (Brancaster Staithe Sailing Club); Helen Scott (Starcross Yacht Club); Victoria Skelding (Winsford Flash Sailing Club); Richard Steele (Queen Mary Sailing Club Sailability); Adrian Tebbutt (Snettisham Beach Sailing Club)

Inspirational Guiding Light
The Awards panel especially recognised Jon Holt, Greig City Academy, as an individual who has gone above and beyond in inspiring the next generation of sailors and fostering a love for the sport. Jon has worked tirelessly in encouraging his pupils to experience the joy of sailing and is the leading light behind the Scaramouche Sailing Trust, getting the first state school over the line at the Rolex Fastnet Race.

Inspirational Race Coach or Instructor
This award celebrates those who dedicate themselves to coaching, mentoring, and inspiring sailors to achieve their best on the water.

Recipients: Malcolm Garrington (Bridge of Don Sea Cadets); Andy Hateley (South Staffordshire Sailing Club); Margaret Norris (Hengistbury Head Sailing Club); Margaret Pell (West Wiltshire Youth Sailing Association); Nigel Silman (West Wiltshire Youth Sailing Association); Merlyn Wilcox (Barnt Green Sailing Club)

Long Service
This is presented to an outstanding individual for their exceptional commitment and services to boating at club or grassroots level over 20 years.

Recipients: Rodney Bottomley (Whitefriars Sailing Club); Ian Day (Hurst Castle Sailing Club); David Franks (Etchells UK Class Association); Paul Goodhead (South Staffordshire Sailing Club); Christopher Guy (Blithfield Sailing Club); John Hallas (Young People Afloat); John & Sheila Robinson (Ullswater Yacht Club); John Shepherd (Wembley Sailing Club); Bob Suggitt (Barnt Green Sailing Club); Malcolm Talbot (Bury Lake Young Mariners); Tony Walker (Forfar Sailing Club); Peter Whipp (Eric Twiname Trust)

Rising Star
Celebrating exceptional young volunteers (25 or under) recognising the outstanding impact they have made to their boating communities.

Recipients: Zoë Goodden (Winsford Flash Sailing Club, plus Honor Preston Award); Oliver Lea (West Lancashire Yacht Club); Ellia Rhodes (Anderton Centre, plus Francis Elkin Award); Reece Webb (Grafham Water Sailing Club); Alex Wilburn (Dell Quay Sailing Club)

Unsung Hero
This award celebrates individuals who have made remarkable contributions to our sport and aims to honour those who have selflessly dedicated their time and efforts to enhance the boating community.

Recipients: Jim & Sheila Bennell (Clwb Hwylio Y Felinheli/Port Dinorwic Sailing Club); Sarah Bonnar (Himley Hall Sailing Club); Jon Close (Winsford Flash Sailing Club); Peter Doran (Oxford Sailing Club); Chris Fuller (Frensham Pond Sailing Club/Scouts Farnham District); Nicola Kaufman (Oceans of Hope UK); Anne & Chris Sprules (Dell Quay Sailing Club); Ron Thompson (Girton Sailing Club)