Gresford Sailing Club has won the RYA Community Club of the Year title in recognition of its commitment to making the sport accessible for all.
The RYA Club of the Year Awards supported by Gallagher were presented in front of a packed audience on the main stage at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show supported by Sunsail at Farnborough International on Saturday 24 February 2024.
Gresford SC was named RYA Community Club of the Year and thanks to sponsorship from Suzuki Marine, Rigiflex andExtreme Trailers, won the prize of a new safety boat to support its on-the-water activities.
The Community category celebrates those who provide meaningful, welcoming and inclusive opportunities, with Gresford SC one of four finalists for the title from a total of 14 exceptional clubs shortlisted for the 2024 awards.
Chief instructor Simon Jones said: “We couldn’t believe it when we were announced as the RYA Community Club of the Year! We were so excited and to win a new safety boat on top is fantastic, we will certainly make good use of it to support our junior sessions and training. It was really generous of the award sponsors and it will be a brilliant asset for the club.
“We really appreciate all the hard work that our members have put in over the years to get us to where we are now. It is wonderful for everyone involved with the club to achieve this national recognition.”
Leading the way
Volunteer-run Gresford SC is located on The Flash on Old Wrexham Road, between Wrexham and Gresford, and since its inception more than 60 years ago the club’s ethos has been to provide low cost and affordable sailing for local people.
Adding his congratulations, RYA Cymru Wales CEO James Stuart said: “We are delighted to see this award for Gresford SC. Sailing is all about engaging communities and creating that sense of belonging, and this is what the club does so well. We are about to launch our five-year strategy, Together on our Waters, which aims to see as many people as possible enjoying our amazing sport. Clubs are so important in realising this ambition and Gresford SC is leading the way.”
The club runs both informal sessions and racing, and as an RYA Recognised Training Centre provides courses and activities for all ages. The club also has Stand Up Paddleboarding and a model boat section, and is an RYA Sailability venue providing opportunities for people with disabilities to get on the water.
The quality of its provision for children and young people aged 8-18 is RYA OnBoard recognised for developing sailing and life skills, with weekly sessions and through partnerships with local schools, the charity All Afloat and Scout groups.
Members are now looking forward to getting back on the water for the start of the main season in March. The club offers a warm welcome for anyone who would like to find out more about its activities, visit: www.gresfordsailingclub.com
