Dedicated volunteers from across the UK who had their endeavours recognised by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal at the annual RYA Volunteer Awards in London last week, included a sailor from Cowes.
A total of 53 awards were bestowed upon volunteers from across the UK last Friday (20th November), recognising their exceptional generosity and dedication to boating.
Amongst them was Philippe Wines who received the RYA’s Outstanding Contribution Award for his work with Cowes Sailability which Philippe set up in 2001 with another member of the Royal Victoria Yacht Club in 2001, moving it to Cowes in 2010, and changing its name to Cowes Sailability. Philippe has encouraged many island residents to take up sailing, and recruited numerous volunteers to assist with the running of the group.
Philippe said:
“Both my wife Paola and I, together with my youngest daughter Lucy, had a truly unforgettable day at the RYA Awards event in London. It was wonderful to meet so many other people dedicated to sailing, and from across the whole nation. It was particularly delightful to meet volunteers involved with other RYA Sailability clubs who, like Cowes Sailability, are equally putting smiles on the faces of our disabled local communities.”
The awards ceremony and luncheon was held at One Great George Street, Westminster, where each award winner was presented with a commemorative medallion and certificate.
RYA Sport Development Manager Duncan Truswell explains:
“The RYA Volunteer Awards are our opportunity to say thank you on behalf of clubs and associations that affiliate to the RYA to their volunteers, the people that really make a difference to help people get afloat. It’s our opportunity to take a bit of time out and say thank you very much for the commitment you guys make to the sport to help people get afloat safely and enjoyably”.
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