Applications remain open
The Royal Yachting Association has extended applications for its annual awards until 5pm on Sunday 11 October. The programme is designed to recognise organisations creating measurable positive change across boating and watersports.
Five award categories cover areas including participation, inclusion, sustainability, volunteers and programme delivery. Winners will be announced during a ceremony at the 2027 RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show.
Prizes and recognition
Each winning organisation will receive a prize package worth at least £2,000 through support from commercial partners. The awards also provide national recognition and a chance for clubs and organisations to share working examples of good practice.
The RYA is encouraging organisations of all sizes to apply rather than treating the awards as something only large centres can win. That opens the programme to sailing clubs, training centres and community groups with strong local impact.
Why grassroots recognition matters
Much of recreational boating depends on volunteers and small organisations that introduce people to the water. Awards can help those groups demonstrate their value to members, partners and potential funders.
The extended deadline gives applicants more time to assemble evidence and explain what changed because of their work. Strong entries will need to show outcomes rather than simply describe activity.
Next steps
Applications close at 5pm on 11 October before judging begins ahead of the 2027 show. Organisations considering an entry now have a final window to put forward their strongest projects and programmes.
For the wider leisure-boating community, the awards create a useful snapshot of ideas that are working across the country. Successful examples can then be adapted by other clubs and centres facing similar participation and volunteer challenges.