RYA Club of the Year finalists announced

The RYA awards panel has revealed the 12 finalists for the 2023 RYA and Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year Award.

Supported by Gallagher, the awards recognise the outstanding achievement of sailing clubs across the UK, and highlight the hard work and dedication that goes into running a successful club.

The awards will be presented and the overall winner announced during the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show at Farnborough International Exhibition Centre on 25 February 2023.

“We’re thrilled to announce the finalists for the 2023 RYA and Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year Award,” says RYA club and volunteer support officer, Cat Ferguson. “Our affiliated clubs are at the very heart of our sport and I would like to thank everyone who gives up their time to support boating in whatever way, great or small.

“Our congratulations go to all 12 of this year’s finalists for the enthusiasm they show in meeting challenges and introducing new ideas and innovative ways of doing things. Our special thanks must go to Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting and Gallagher for their continued support.”

2023 RYA Club of the Year Finalists

  • Ballyholme Yacht Club – Northern Ireland
  • Bassenthwaite Sailing Club – North West
  • Blackwater Sailing Club – East
  • County Antrim Yacht Club – Northern Ireland
  • Gresford Sailing Club – Wales
  • JOG Yacht Racing – South
  • King George Sailing Club – London and South East
  • London Corinthian Sailing Club – London and South East
  • Lymington Town Sailing Club – South
  • Otley Sailing Club – North East
  • Rudyard Lake Sailing Club – Midlands
  • Whitefriars Sailing Club – South West

This year, the panel also awarded certificates of commendation to Pennine Sailing Club and Royal Plymouth Corinthian Yacht Club. Pennine Sailing Club for their environmental work and Royal Plymouth Corinthian Yacht Club for increasing its membership fivefold over three years.

Rob Peake, group editor of Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting, adds: “[We are] delighted to be supporting this competition, which highlights and recognises the hard work of club volunteers and enables us to share best practice between clubs.

“The shortlisted clubs were selected by the RYA Awards Panel, which judged them on how well they promote the sport, encourage people onto the water and make their activities varied and accessible to their community. Once again, the panel has had a tough time selecting our finalists due to an outstanding standard of entries, but the tougher task is now yours. It is up to you to decide the winner.”  

Public voting opens on 1 December 2022 and closes on 23 January 2023. More information on how to cast your vote will be announced soon.