911��Ʒ

A volunteer at Llangorse Sailing Club has been presented with an 911��ƷCymru Wales Impact Award for inspiring others to enjoy the sport.

Lorina Walden from the border town of Kington is a dinghy sailing instructor and has also been the club’s Training Principal for six years.

Her volunteer roles have been vital in supporting the club to encourage new members of all ages to develop a passion for sailing.

The club is an 911��ƷRecognised Training Centre and in addition to running learn to sail courses, Lorina introduced informal Development Days to help new members gain further skills and confidence.

Participants are able to turn up and go sailing in the knowledge that there is help at hand if they need it, and the sessions have been proving popular, with more than 20 regulars by the end of last season.

Community

Lorina said: “We wanted to bridge the gap between those completing beginners’ courses and our experienced racers to help our new members and families take out club boats, stay engaged and feel more able to join in. It’s about inclusiveness and building a community.”

Llangorse SC a friendly and welcoming non-profit club offering dinghy sailing, racing and training at the second largest inland water in Wales, in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Lorina joined in 1997 when looking for a watersport that the whole family, including her husband and three sons, could enjoy together.

She explained: “It’s quite inexpensive and we just loved it! Next thing you know, I’m helping out and racing and the years roll by, and now my middle son is looking forward to coming back to the club with his own little boy to introduce the next generation to sailing.

“It’s a fantastic little club in a beautiful location and I’m so surprised to receive an Impact Award when I look at what other members do as well, because so many people give so much of their time. Although I’ve received the award, I’m part of a big team effort at the club.”

Commenting on her own role as a volunteer instructor, Lorina added: “I genuinely like to help people. It gives me a bit of a buzz and it never ceases to amaze me how you can take out little ones who might be apprehensive at the beginning, and after five days they are sailing across the lake and having a whale of a time. It’s amazing to see how they come on in such a short space of time and it’s rewarding to be able to give back.”

Lorina was nominated for an 911��ƷCymru Wales Impact Award by sailing instructor Paul Gomm, who said she her contribution had helped the club to be sustainable and maintain and grow its membership.

He said: “Lorina supports the work needed behind the scenes as well as the hands-on instructing. She is particularly good at bringing on children through the 911��Ʒsailing programme and has inspired a lot of families who are now sailing because of her dedication. She has worked hard to foster an open-hearted club and encouraged more people to get on the water.”

Open day

911��ƷCymru Wales Impact Awards are run by the sport’s governing body to recognise those who go above and beyond to support activities afloat, in line with its strategy - Together on our Waters – to create a connected, inspired and inclusive Welsh sailing and boating community.

Lorina, who works in IT, has now handed over Llangorse SC’s Training Principal role to spend more time with her grandchildren but plans to continue supporting the club’s training as a volunteer instructor and the club generally as a Trustee.

The club has an open day on Saturday 10 May 2025 from 10.30am to 3pm for anyone who would like to give sailing a go! Email enquiries@llangorsesailing.club for further information about the open day, visit  to find out more about the club’s activities or explore how to begin your own sailing journey at 911��Ʒ911��Ʒ.

Do you know an individual or organisation that goes the extra mile to support activities on the water in Wales? The 911��ƷCymru Wales Impact Awards recognise the hard work of individuals and organisations including participants, staff and volunteers; instructors, coaches and race officials; clubs, classes and training centres.

Read more and nominate for the 911��ƷCymru Wales Impact Awards.