Following the successful nomination in 2024 for the Green Award, a sub committee consisting of Andrew Farebrother, Liz Ballinger and David Long came together to look at the awards which we could apply for in 2025. The structure of the RYA awards changed in 2025 from those awarded in 2024. In 2024 a "Club of the Year" was awarded from the winners of 4 different categories of which the Green Award was one of them.

We decided to apply for 4 awards, namely:

• RYA Awards for Inspirational Race Coach or Instructor – We nominated Margaret Pell (Senior Instructor) and Nigel Silman (Chief Instructor). This award celebrates those who dedicate themselves to coaching, mentoring, and inspiring sailors to achieve their best on the water.
• RYA Green Blue Team – This award celebrates teams who have inspired and supported affiliates in implementing sustainable practices or introducing environmental projects that reduced carbon footprints within organisations.
• RYA Rising Star – We nominated Alex Llewellyn for this award. This award celebrates exceptional young volunteers (25 or under) recognising the outstanding impact they have made to their boating communities.

Success!!

At the RYA Dinghy and water sports show on 22nd February, Margaret, Nigel, Andrew, Dave, Liz were all invited with their plus 1's to attend the award ceremony where the finalists and overall winners were announced. Many of our members came and provided additional support from the sidelines and witnessed our success.

The RYA Awards for Inspirational Race Coach or Instructor was awarded to Margaret Pell and Nigel Silman. WWYSA was then announced as the RYA Green Blue Team winner for 2025. Full details are available at rya.org.uk/news/rya-awards-2025.

Alex did not make the finalists this year but has received a small award in recognition. This was given to him in March.

The Green Blue Team award is known as a RYA Affiliate Award. Since winning the award this year, we have been contacted by the RYA asking if they can come to our Club to create a video about the Club and the Green Blue Award as well as take some photographs.

What We Did to Win

Following success at the RYA awards in 2024 for Green Club of the Year, at WWYSA we continue with our green ethos and have been inspired to deliver a whole host of environmental benefits evolving our Development Plan.

During 2024 we have been engaging with our membership and celebrating our successes implementing these sustainable practices:

• Purchased 3 new electric outboard motors to replace all petrol motors
• Invested in re-usable crockery and cutlery - multi-use plastic cups/plastic plates
• Sourced named mugs for our volunteers from the local pottery supporting the local community heritage of traditional skills
• Encourage members to use 'swap shop' for used sailing kit so that all supplies are fully utilised providing a financial and environmental benefit
• Reduction of carbon footprint through installation of solar panels providing adequate electricity to recharge the batteries for the outboard motors and lighting

Our environmental project work has continued, we have successfully helped to reduce our carbon footprint by:

• Only using non-toxic cleaning products
• Recycling of plastic, paper, glass and food waste
• Exploiting all potential avenues to re-purpose and re-use equipment before purchasing new
• Repurposing boats beyond reasonable repair, e.g. a Topper which was damaged in a storm had parts re-used to maintain other boats and then was re-purposed using 'scrap' metal to make a stand for it to serve as a training rig for dry tacking and gybing
• Undertake repairs in-house where possible
• Ensuring any outside contracts are locally sourced
• Kept inhouse the maintenance of our grounds
• Promotion of green culture for all users of the lake