Inspiration and commitment celebrated at 2025 RYA Awards
by RYA Press Office 24 Feb 02:00 NZDT
22 February 2025
John Derbyshire and Chris Simon © RYA
The exceptional contributions of sailing and boating volunteers, clubs and affiliated organisations were recognised at the 2025 RYA Awards on Saturday 22 February.
This year, the RYA combined its much-loved Club of the Year and Volunteer Awards into one inspiring celebration, held alongside the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show at Farnborough International.
Individuals and groups at the very heart of our boating communities were lauded for their unwavering dedication and initiatives that enable and inspire countless others to enjoy blue spaces.
"It's always so inspiring and humbling to read through the many nominations we receive for RYA Awards, from amazing clubs and organisation, young people giving back to a sport they love, to those whose selfless involvement has spanned decades," said RYA Director of Sport Development Rob Clark.
"Our volunteers and affiliates really demonstrate the power of community, often giving others their first experiences of what we hope will become a lifetime's passion, creating welcoming and supportive communities, or perhaps inspiring others to train for careers across the marine sector.
"Congratulations and thank you to all those we've recognised at the RYA Awards this year - but also to the many more who give their time to support sailing and boating in so many ways."
Outstanding contributions
Sea View Yacht Club, West Wiltshire Youth Sailing Association, North Devon Yacht Club, Newhaven and Seaford Sailing Club, and West Lancashire Yacht Club's 24 Hour Race were named winners across the five affiliate categories, while remarkable individuals were also recognised for their many and varied contributions across the boating community.
Honorary Life Membership is the RYA's highest individual honour, acknowledging those who have given exceptional service to the RYA and to boating, with Chris Simon and John Derbyshire OBE both awarded Honorary Life Memberships this year.
Having sailed for over 70 years, Chris Simon has volunteered on various RYA Committees including Council since 1979. Holding a variety of roles including RYA Treasurer, RYA Racing Rules Case Book editor, Racing Rules Committee member, International Judge, Race Officer & Umpire, Regional Rules Advisor (amongst others), he has supported both the RYA and its numerous affiliated organisations for over 45 years.
John Derbyshire OBE attended eight Olympic Games as a coach (including to Sir Ben Ainslie, Shirley Robertson OBE, Iain Percy OBE, Andrew Simpson MBE and Hugh Styles) and was Team Manager for both the British Olympic and Paralympic sailing teams. He was Director of Racing at the RYA, retiring after 27 years of service. John's volunteering positions have included being a trustee at the Andrew Simpson Foundation, Chair of the World Sailing Events Committee and a dedicated committee member at Emsworth Sailing Club.
Inspiring individuals
Outside of the main Individual Awards categories, Jon Holt of the Greig City Academy was especially recognised as an 'Inspirational Guiding Light'.
A geography teacher and head of outdoor education in one of the most deprived boroughs in London, Jon's mission has been to expose youngsters at this inner-city state school to activities they would otherwise would never have considered or been able to experience, culminating in his talented young sailors racing in the Round the Island Race and becoming the first high school to complete the Rolex Fastnet Race.
In addition to receiving Rising Star awards, celebrating outstanding contributions by under 25-year-old volunteers, Zoë Goodden (Winsford Flash Sailing Club) and Ellia Rhodes (Anderton Centre) were also given special honours.
Zoë was awarded the Honor Preston Award for being an outstanding young role model for her efforts in race management and boat management, while Ellia picked up the Francis Elkin Award for her efforts making sailing accessible to all.
RYA Impact Awards
Outside of the annual awards, RYA Impact Awards are regularly presented throughout the year and celebrate individuals and groups who go above and beyond to make a positive impact on everyone's time afloat.
Nominations are open, so don't miss the chance to celebrate the everyday heroes of our waters.
Make a difference today
Volunteers form the core of RYA and club initiatives, offering rewarding opportunities and assisting others to experience the water's numerous benefits.
With various volunteering options available, dedicating even a small amount of your time can create a significant impact. Find out more and make a difference today.
Read the full list of recipients