Big up Gurnard

Isle of Wight club wins RYA's Club of the Year

Gurnard Sailing Club on the Isle of Wight was unveiled as the RYA’s first ever Club of the Year on Saturday at the world’s biggest dinghy show, the RYA Dinghy Sailing Show, Alexandra Palace.

Club Commodore Caroline Stevens comments “ We knew the other club finalists were very strong competition so everyone is delighted and very surprised to have won. Our club is run on an entirely voluntary basis so the award is for all of the hard work they put into the club. “

Gurnard was one of five finalists for the award alongside, Weir Wood Sailing Club, South Staffordshire Sailing Club, Swanage Sailing Club and Rutland Sailing Club.

Rod Carr, Chief Executive of the RYA comments; “This is the first year we have run the Club of the Year Awards and we have been delighted with the response. All five of our finalists fulfilled the criteria in different ways proving what great diversity there is amongst our affiliated clubs. The decision to choose one overall winner was extremely difficult, however after careful consideration Gurnard, was selected. ”

The awards criteria identified clubs that were forward looking and vibrant, and promoted and encouraged people on to the water through a range of activities for all ages and abilities, from one off events to dedicated racing programmes.

Gurnard Sailing Club had a fantastic diary of events ranging from Sunday morning racing to Swallows and Amazons weekends. Forty per cent of the club’s membership are cadets - giving it a really vibrant feel. Since the opening of the new clubhouse ten years ago no application for membership has been refused and with fantastic facilities for less able bodied people, the club has several active members with disabilities.

The club also has a Development Fund supported financially by the club and local businesses. This provides grants for cadets wishing to compete nationally or internationally and also links with four local primary schools and local charity, The Island Youth Water Activity Centre in Cowes, to offer sailing to all year four pupils.

Skandia Team GBR’s Stevie Morrison and Ben Rhodes presented Gurnard SC with the brand new Club of the Year trophy kindly donated by Sailing Awards in Bournemouth. The four club finalists were also presented with a pennant and plaque.