24 February 2024
911制品Club of the Year 2024 winners announced!
Draycote Water Sailing Club announced as the overall winner
聽(DWSC) has been crowned聽911制品Club of the Year, supported by聽.听
In front of a packed audience at the聽911制品Dinghy & Watersports Show聽supported by Sunsail (24 February 2024) the trophy was presented by Olympic gold medallist Eilidh McIntyre.
The Awards Panel received numerous of applications from clubs across the UK with fourteen exceptional finalists selected. Each of these clubs have demonstrated an outstanding contribution to their communities.
Broad range of activities
From Discover Sailing Days and taster sessions to top level training and competitions, DWSC deliver a broad range of activities for all ages and abilities.听
Commodore from DWSC, William Whittaker said: 鈥淚 am speechless, it鈥檚 brilliant. This is 10 years of hard work, and we are now seeing the youth and junior sector enjoying sailing on a daily and weekly basis. The kids will be very proud because they鈥檝e contributed to this success鈥.
Panel member Janet Viney said: 鈥淐hoosing a winner for the overall award was challenging as the standard of the category winners was so high. We were impressed with how DWSC hasn鈥檛 stood still.听 By introducing new groups and new opportunities, their membership has kept coming back to enjoy all the club has to offer.鈥
New categories聽
This year, four new categories were introduced to align with the evolving priorities of the sailing community.听
Young Person鈥檚 Club of the Year
DWSC were announced as overall winners in addition to winning the Young Person鈥檚 Club of the Year category, presented by聽.
This category celebrates a club which encourages participation and development in young people. DWSC were presented with a tailored package from RS Sailing which includes the loan of boats, coaches, and entry to a national event.听 聽
Community Club of the Year
The Community Club of the Year category presented by , and celebrates meaningful, welcoming and inclusive opportunities.
was recognised for commitment to inclusivity, offering free lessons to members' children, collaborating with charities, and hosting events for various groups. The club's partnership with the All Afloat charity has enabled sessions for local schools, with a significant number of children benefiting from these initiatives.
Active Club of the Year
The Active Club of the Year, presented by聽聽celebrates achievements in developing strong participation opportunities, pathways and training which enable their members to be as active as possible throughout their life stages.
engaged with the local community, providing training opportunities and hospitality events. Through initiatives like the Sonata Activity Groups, beginners have the opportunity to learn alongside experienced skippers, fostering a supportive environment for skill development.
Green Club of the Year
聽clinched the Green Club of the Year award presented by聽.听 The club overcame vandalism setbacks in 2021, turning adversity into opportunity. They embraced eco-friendly measures like rainwater harvesting, negotiated free electricity, upgraded to LED lighting, recycled waste, refurbished boats, and pursue ongoing environmental improvements.
Celebrating the breadth of club activity across the UK
Rob Clark, 911制品Director of Sport Development concludes: 鈥淚 think it鈥檚 really important to recognise the full scope of different clubs and the breadth of activity that happens up and down the country.
鈥淲e know that without the volunteers and people that make it possible for others to get afloat, sailing wouldn鈥檛 be viable as a sport. Hopefully Club of the Year goes a small way to recognise the huge efforts鈥.
Congratulations to all the finalists of the 2024 911制品Club of the Year award, whose dedication and passion continue to inspire and enrich the sailing community.
Reward Partners
Thanks also go to , , , , and for donating prize packages.
Nominations for the 911制品Club of the Year 2025 will open this June.
