RYA awards

RYA Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2025 RYA Awards 

The RYA Awards recognise the outstanding contributions made by volunteers and affiliated organisations throughout the UK to support our boating community.  

Bringing together the previous Club of the Year and Volunteer Awards into one celebration, this year’s winners will be announced at a reception held at the RYA Dinghy and Watersports show on Saturday 22 February 2025. 

Awarded across two key categories, the Affiliate Awards and Individual Awards, let's celebrate our network of RYA affiliated organisations, as well as the volunteers making a real difference.

Nominations

Nominations are now open and will close at midday on Monday 16 September 2024. Anyone can nominate, so why not recognise those making a real difference by nominating today.

 

 

Please note organisations nominated for an Affiliate Award will be contacted directly and asked to provide further information to complete the application process. All nominations are anonymous.

 

Affiliate Awards

Bassenthwaite - wide shot of sailing club next to lake
a group of children preparing to go sailing at a club on a lake
two sailors sailing a dinghy on the open sea
a group of kids out on the water

The Affiliate Awards supported by Gallagher honour the clubs, classes and affiliated organisations playing a vital role in fostering a vibrant and thriving boating network and will be awarded across five categories.

Recognising affiliates who are actively working towards a connected, inspired, and inclusive boating community.

This award celebrates our affiliates who are using boating as a platform to champion equality and eliminate barriers to participation for individuals or communities historically underrepresented in boating activities.

Celebrating teams who have inspired and supported affiliates in implementing sustainable practices or introducing environmental projects that reduced carbon footprints within organisations.

This category highlights innovative approaches by a group within an affiliate in minimising their environmental impact.

Recognising inspiring affiliates who encourage participation, development of skills and volunteering for all their young people.

This award recognises our affiliates who foster opportunities for individuals aged 25 and under to develop a passion for boating.

Celebrating our affiliates achievements in developing strong participation opportunities which enable members to stay active throughout their life on the water.

Whether through volunteer pathways, racing initiatives, club cruising, or enhanced training programmes, this category evaluates how organisations facilitate ongoing engagement.

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. Events could be an open event or held for club members only.

This award recognises the dedicated workforce driving these impactful events.

 

Individual Awards

candid shot of volunteer repairing mast with electric drill
posed shot a volunteer smiling as the help open a lock for a canal boat
candid shot of volunteer writing in ledger
mid shot a of a smiling volunteer on a motorised rib

The Individual Awards celebrate the exceptional commitment and achievements of volunteers. Whether it’s mowing the lawn, making the tea, helming the safety boat or just getting stuck in wherever needed – it all counts.

The awards are divided into five categories, not only awarding longstanding volunteers but also committed young people, and most importantly, those that have had an impact.

Celebrating an individual who has made remarkable contributions to our sport. This award aims to honour those who have selflessly dedicated their time and efforts to enhance the boating community.

Presented to an outstanding individual for their exceptional commitment and services to boating at club or grassroots level over 20 years.

This award honours the recipient's exceptional commitment, passion, and selfless contributions that have significantly impacted the community and enriched the lives of others.

Awarded to an exceptional young volunteer recognising the outstanding impact they have made to their boating community.

Nominees should be 25 or under on 22 February 2025.

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.

This person could be responsible for leading a specific programme to encourage participation, working to develop volunteers, instructors or coaches, or an approach to a specific element, such as health and safety, marketing, club management, team management and club races or events. They could be leading their task independently, or in a role such as committee member, within a club steering group, working group or subcommittee.

Celebrating individuals whose enthusiasm and time has made a significant difference to an organisation by offering their skills and qualifications in a volunteer role.

This award will honour an individual that goes the extra mile to ensure they deliver the best quality, inclusive learning experience for all.

Recipients will hold a valid RYA Race coach or Instructor qualification.

 

 

Further information

Selected finalists in each category will be invited to a reception held at the RYA Dinghy and Waterpsorts Show on Saturday 22 February 2025 where the overall category winners will be announced.

If you have any questions please email the awards team

Together on Water

Our Together on Water strategy seeks to support an inspired, inclusive, and connected community in sailing and boating. The RYA Awards celebrate the network of RYA affiliated organisations and volunteers that are key enablers helping us to achieve this vision.