Recognized Highlights at the RYA Awards: West Wiltshire Youth Sailing Association Honored
The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is set to shine a spotlight on inspiring and transformative projects in the boating community with the upcoming 2026 RYA Awards. These awards, a continuation of the recognition for sustainability and innovation in boating, aim to celebrate individuals and organisations making a difference in the sector.
The deadline for nominations is fast approaching, with the last date being 1 October 2025. The awards provide an opportunity to recognise contributions to the wider sport of boating, from outstanding sailing performance to community engagement and environmental innovation.
The RYA Affiliate Awards, which celebrate affiliates who champion sustainability and environmental innovation, have already seen winners such as the West Wiltshire Youth Sailing Association (WWYSA). In 2025, WWYSA was named the Green Blue Team winner at the RYA Affiliate Awards, thanks to their commitment to green practices, including swapping petrol outboards for electric motors, installing solar panels, and promoting kit reuse through a "swap shop."
WWYSA's instructors, Margaret Pell and Nigel Silman, also received Inspirational Race Coach/Instructor Awards at the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show, further highlighting their impact on the boating community.
The 2026 RYA Awards offer recognition for the impact of small clubs in boating, providing a chance to thank and celebrate heroes in the field. Nominations can be submitted via the RYA Awards page, making it easy for anyone to contribute to recognising the unsung heroes of the boating world.
The 2026 RYA Awards will follow the success of the 2025 RYA Affiliate Awards and will likely reflect the RYA's ongoing initiatives around sustainability and community engagement. With the RYA hosting major sailing events and awards, including the iQFOiL World Championship in Weymouth in 2026, the awards are set to promote advancing inclusive and innovative sailing practices.
For the most accurate and current nomination instructions, it is recommended to consult the official RYA website or contact their events/awards department directly. This will ensure your nomination is valid and aligned with the latest criteria. The 2026 RYA Awards are a testament to the RYA's commitment to celebrating the best in boating and sailing, and a chance to recognise those who are making a real difference in the sector.
The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is not merely focusing on boating sustainability with the upcoming 2026 RYA Awards, but is also extending recognition to home-and-garden lifestyle initiatives that promote sustainable-living. For instance, the West Wiltshire Youth Sailing Association (WWYSA) was celebrated for their green practices, such as using electric motors, solar panels, and promoting kit reuse, showing that sustainable living can have a significant impact within the boating community. It's time to nominate other heroes who are making a difference in both boating and sustainable-living sectors.
