Lymington Town Sailing Club scoops Royal Yacht Association Club of the Year award

LYMINGTON Town Sailing Club has scooped one of the most prestigious awards in the sailing world.

The club was named the Royal Yacht Association’s Club of the Year, receiving a trophy from British sailing team member Micky Beckett at the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show.

One of 12 finalists, the club won the title thanks to a public vote.

LTSC Commodore Tony Evans said: “We are absolutely delighted to win this year’s RYA Club of the Year.

“A massive thank you to the club volunteers for making this happen, and congratulations to the other finalist clubs who are amazing and their stories are inspiring.”

Rob Clark, RYA director of sport development, said: “A massive congratulations to the winner Lymington Town Sailing Club. This year we had the largest number of sailing club nominations, so even choosing the 12 finalists was a very difficult task.

“The club has really shown not only their commitment for what they are trying to do to develop the club and members, but also their ability to rally together.”

The Royal Yacht Association said the club had made an “outstanding effort” to create a “holistic and vibrant model” that can be used by other clubs, as a whole or in part.

“The club has had the foresight to implement changes which will lay a strong foundation for the future,” it said. “It is already benefitting from making these changes, seeing a result in higher participation and annual income, and is extremely well-placed to grow and thrive for many years to come.

Sailing Today and Yachts & Yachting group editor Rob Peake said: “With an easier entry process, and the chance for anyone to nominate a club, this great competition is more popular than ever.

“We’ve seen an impressive level of innovation among the entries, showing how sailing clubs are changing with the times. As ever, Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting is delighted to be supporting the Club of the Year competition.”