Budworth Sailing Club crowned RYA and Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year 2022

Budworth Sailing Club crowned RYA and Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year 2022 © Paul Wyeth / RYA

Budworth Sailing Club (BSC) have been named as winners of the 2022 RYA and Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year Award, supported by Gallagher.

The North-West based club was one of ten 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 Sam Whaley at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show, Farnborough International.

BSC were awarded for implementing changes which have attracted more members of all ages and backgrounds into the sport including volunteer run open days and dedicated sessions for newcomers. Having been recently recognised as an RYA training centre, the club are also now able to offer a range of RYA courses.

Commodore, Bill Kenyon, said: "It feels amazing to be announced as the winners. The award is not just for us - it's for the sailing club, all the people that make the place what it is. It's an amazing achievement".

Rob Clark, RYA Director of Sport Development said: "A huge congratulations to BSC. It's been great to have the opportunity to recognise the amazing efforts of clubs and the volunteers who are central to success, especially at a time when we we're seeing an unprecedented amount of people wanting to get out on the water. Every club recognised are worthy finalists and it's been wonderful to be able to celebrate their success".

RYA and Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year finalists for 2022:

RYA Scotland: Aberdeen & Stonehaven Yacht Club
North West: Arnside Sailing Club (Heart of the Community)
RYA Northern Ireland: Ballyholme Yacht Club
RYA South: Brading Haven Yacht Club (Sustainability)
RYA Midlands: Chelmarsh Sailing Club (Inclusive and Open to All)
RYA South West: Exe Sailing Club
RYA South West: Flushing Sailing Club
RYA South: Lymington Town Sailing Club (Modern and Innovative)
RYA North East: Teesdale Sailing & Watersports Club

Bartley Sailing Club, Filey Sailing Club and Warsash Sailing Club were also awarded a Certificate of Commendation for their work over the last year.

Sailing today with Yachts & Yachting Editor Rob Peake said: "We had a tough time whittling down the high standard of entries this year to the shortlist. Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting is delighted to be supporting this competition, which recognises the hard work of club volunteers and shares best practice between clubs."

Thank you everyone who has kindly provided prizes:

Yachts & Yachting
RS Sailing
Gallagher
Spinlock
Datatag
Icom
Overboard
Sacqua
The Green Blue

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

Applications for RYA Club of the Year 2023 will open in August.

Brand new jetties in use at Budworth Sailing Club - photo © Mark Cleary