Chichester and Felpham up for national honours at Dinghy Show

The overall winner of this prestigious award will be announced this Saturday (Mar 3) at the RYA Volvo Dinghy Show.

Club members will travel to the show held at Alexandra Palace in London to collect their finalist awards and enjoy the show.

The shortlisted clubs were selected by the RYA honours and awards Panel, who judged them on how well they promote the sport, encourage people on to the water and make their activities varied and available to their community.  

Chichester are one of two local clubs looking forward to the show – for it will also be the venue for Felpham Sailing Club to be presented with Volvo Championship Club status.

RYA volunteer development officer Jackie Bennetts, who co-ordinates the awards in which Chichester are in the running, said: “We are delighted to announce this year’s RYA club of the Year finalists who are all excellent, well-run, vibrant and forward-looking clubs, who really excel at what they set out to do.”

The other finalists are Hollowell SC in Northamptonshire, Leigh and Lowton SC in Greater Manchester; Salcombe YC in south Devon and Staunton Harold SC in Derbyshire.

The award encompasses a number of categories which cover the wider aspects of a sailing club.

Chichester have provided evidence of their commitment to these areas which include encouraging people on to the water and ensuring a wide and varied programme of activities and events of interest to all members.

The club offer a diverse programme across its three main sections – dinghy, yacht and motor. The club now have a model boat section.

The dinghy section have an active race programme as well as a substantial programme of training for members. They have a growing number of enthusiastic sailors, including a rapidly-expanding youth section. The yacht and motor sections run regular cruises in company, as well as lectures and social events.

Club members will also be on the Chichester YC stand at the Dinghy Show throughout the weekend to promote Chichester Harbour as a great sailing area as well as promoting Chichester YC as a great sailing club.