RYA Club of the Year 2023 announced

by RYA 26 Feb 2023 18:20 AEDT 25 February 2023

Lymington Town Sailing Club announced as RYA Club of the Year 2023 © Paul Wyeth

Lymington Town Sailing Club (LTSC) has been announced as the 2023 winner of the RYA and Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year, supported by Gallagher. The trophy was presented by British Sailing Team ILCA 7 sailor, Micky Beckett today (25 February) at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show.

RYA Club of the Year is a prestigious award that recognises the outstanding achievements of sailing clubs continued and dedicated efforts from their esteemed and hardworking club members across the UK.

Although there was only one winner, each of the 12 club finalists have brought forward their achievements within their club and we are delighted that these stories of their incredibly innovative endeavours, creative problem-solving achievements and inclusive successes could be showcased through this award.

Lymington Town Sailing Club, located in the RYA South region, was one of 12 finalists selected by the RYA Awards Panel. It was a closely run race by the finalists but, in the end the results for the winner came down to the wire and the win was secured by the public vote.

The club was awarded for its outstanding effort and accomplishment for the creation of a holistic vibrant model for a modern sailing club that can be reviewed and used by other clubs, as a whole or in part. The club has had the foresight to implement changes which will lay a strong foundation for the future. The club is already benefitting from making these changes, seeing a result in higher participation, annual income and is extremely well-placed to grow and thrive for many years to come.

LTSC Commodore, Tony Evans, said: "We are absolutely delighted win this year's RYA Club of the Year. A massive thank you to the club volunteers for making this happen. Congratulations to the other finalist clubs who are amazing and their stories are inspiring. It's an absolute pleasure to be here."

Rob Clark, RYA Director of Sport Development, said: "Firstly a massive congratulations to the winner Lymington Town Sailing Club. This year we had the largest number of sailing club nominations, so even choosing the 12 finalists was a very difficult task. The club has really shown not only their commitment for what they are trying to do to develop the club and members, but also their ability to rally together."

The RYA and Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year finalists for 2023:

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

Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting Group Editor Rob Peake said: "With an easier entry process, and the chance for anyone to nominate a club, this great competition is more popular than ever. We've seen an impressive level of innovation among the entries, showing how sailing clubs are changing with the times. As ever, Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting is delighted to be supporting the Club of the Year competition."

Thank you everyone who has kindly provided prizes: