Three dedicated members of a sailing club near Ashby have been recognised for their exceptional contribution to the sport in the 2023 Royal Yachting Association Volunteer Awards.

The awards were presented by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, President of the RYA, in London. 

Within the RYA Community Awards category for those supporting the grassroots of the sport were Colin Davis, Lisa Woodward and Ann Nugent from Staunton Harold Sailing Club, along with Louise Robertson of Swarkestone Sailing Club and Derbyshire Youth Sailing.

Colin, an enthusiastic member of Staunton Harold Sailing Club for more than 25 years, received a Lifetime Commitment award.

Staunton Harold Sailing Club's Ann Nugent receives her award

Serving as Bosun, Rear Commodore Sailing and as a fleet captain, he has also run the club newsletter. As an engineer by trade, he has always been the first to put on a set of overalls to maintain equipment and fix any problems, including looking after the club's racing marks and Committee Boat and rebuilding a jetty.

In nominating Colin for the award, the club said: "He has put his expertise to good use - designing, building, installing and maintaining the vital elements for on-water activity. The club will greatly miss his many contributions."

Colin, who, following retirement plans to return to his native Cornwall, said: "I was very surprised and grateful to the club to be nominated for the award. Staunton Harold SC is a great club that thrives solely through the efforts of many volunteers. I was just one of them happily working away in the background."

Lisa received an Outstanding Contribution award. She had no background in watersports or working with people with disabilities before joining Staunton Harold SC four years ago and taking on the roles of Trustee and Secretary for the Sailability section. 

She also manages governance, media and links with local charities, organisations and families.

Colin Davis received a Lifetime Commitment award. Photo: Supplied

Nominating Lisa for the award, the club said: "Lisa never stops and is always one of the first to arrive and the last to leave. She spends many evenings doing administration and fundraising. Always willing to give her time, she has overcome her own on-water nerves to complete a powerboat course, as well as learning to sail and gaining first aid training.

"Lisa works with young people who have a variety of physical, emotional and developmental challenges, and is the first point of contact for their families. "Her welcoming smile and the knowledge that she can answer all their questions make her one of the volunteers they always remember."

Lisa said: "It's important to get involved because if there weren't volunteers then lots of things just wouldn't happen. Staunton Harold Sailing Club is run purely by volunteers and people do it because they want to make a difference. When you see the children's smiles on their faces when they are out on the water with the wind on their face, or laughing with a volunteer, that's why I do it."

Staunton Harold Sailing Club near Ashby de la Zouch. Photo: Supplied

Ann Nugent was given an Outstanding Contribution award. She joined Staunton Harold SC in 2012 so her children could learn to sail, helping out with training courses and then becoming Rear Commodore (Marketing) in 2014. H

Having led an improvement in taster sessions and working with local communities to offer them a chance to try sailing, she has encouraged the club to make better use of online booking and payment options and offer post-course support. She also stays connected with RYA initiatives and opportunities.

The club said: "Ann is enthusiastic and eager to help the committee and club, supporting training and stepping in to help the junior section. She is full of smiles and ideas and inspires people to say yes!"

Staunton Harold SC and Swarkestone SC are RYA Recognised Training Centres offering courses and activities for all ages. 

Visit Staunton Harold Sailing Club or www.swarkestonesc.co.uk or find out more about how to get on the water HERE.