Christchurch Sailing Club have been crowned RYA and Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year 2020

Christchurch Sailing Club have been crowned RYA and Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year 2020 © Paul Wyeth

Christchurch Sailing Club have been named as winners of the 2020 RYA and Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year Award.

The Dorset based club was one of 10 finalists selected by the RYA Awards Panel and ultimately crowned by the public vote. The coveted trophy was presented by The British Sailing Team's Arran Holman yesterday (01 March) at the RYA Dinghy Show.

Christchurch Sailing Club were awarded for their strong family ethos and wide variety of sailing and social activities. Their achievements included the investment of a new training room enabling members to develop their qualifications. The refurbishment of their female changing rooms will support the growth of the ladies fleet.

A new lift and disabled toilet with baby changing facilities helps the club to get people of all ages and abilities out on the water and a Junior Sponsorship Scheme helps young members participate in events around the World.

Jim Atkins, Commodore at Christchurch SC said: "We absolutely didn't expect to win. It's just fantastic as it's the culmination of a lot of effort. It's a tremendous honour for us and our members and we look forward to getting back and celebrating with them.

RYA Director of Sport Development Alistair Dickson commented: "A huge congratulations to Christchurch Sailing Club. Their hard work on major facility developments has been really impressive and the panel were really impressed with their strong community spirit.

"Thank you to RS Sailing and all of the RYA Reward Partners that have contributed to the prize packages, which have been very much appreciated by all of the finalists. Thank you to all those who voted, it's always really difficult to choose one club from these inspirational finalists" he concluded.

RYA and Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year finalists for 2020:

• RYA Scotland Finalist: Prestwick Sailing Club
• RYA North East Finalist: Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club
• RYA North West Finalist: Delph Sailing Club
• RYA Midlands Finalist: Draycote Water Sailing Club
• RYA Cymru Wales Finalist: Royal Anglesey Yacht Club
• RYA Northern Ireland Finalist: Strangford Lough Yacht Club
• RYA Northern Ireland Finalist: East Antrim Boat Club
• RYA South Finalist: Netley Sailing Club
• RYA London and South East Finalist: Felpham Sailing Club

Debdale Outdoor Activity Club were also awarded a Certificate of Commendation for their excellent work developing young sailors.

For more information about the award, how to get involved and this year's finalists visit rya.org.uk/cluboftheyear