The Club of the Year Awards are about recognising and celebrating the hard work that goes into making the UK’s sailing clubs so successful, and Blackwater Sailing Club, in Heybridge Basin, Maldon, is a perfect example of this.
An innovative and forward-thinking club, it is constantly evolving by broadening its watersports offering and seeking feedback from members. Recently boosting its membership and developing a programme of adult sailing courses, this has particularly appealed to non-sailors, providing the opportunity to learn in a safe environment on the training lake, then moving to the river, supported by mentoring.
The Clubhouse was rebuilt in 2021 and the Club continues to invest in its facilities and resources. It is also a British Youth Sailing Recognised Club, offering cadet members an excellent programme of training from beginners aged 8 through to international race level support.
Nigel Butler, Commodore from 2020-2022 said:
“We are proud and honoured to have been chosen as the East Region finalist for this prestigious award. Our selection is testament to the commitment and dedication of the many volunteers who help make Blackwater Sailing Club such a successful, friendly community where all are welcomed to enjoy sailing and watersports. This has been a brilliant year for the Club, and we hope to get as many votes as possible to help us win this fantastic award, which would be an amazing accolade to recognise our achievements.”
Public voting opened on Thursday 1 December and closes at midday on Monday 23 January 2023. You can cast your vote here.
The prestigious awards will be presented, and the overall winner announced, during the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show at Farnborough International Exhibition Centre on Saturday, 25 February 2023
