RYA Award nominations now open for the 2026 edition
RYA Award nominations are now open for this year’s celebrations. The awards fly the flag for people and organisations making a difference in the boating community.
The RYA says: ‘Whether you’re recognising a devoted volunteer, a stand-out coach, or an organisation doing brilliant things in their community, your nomination can help shine a spotlight on their contributions.’
According to the RYA, which is the national governing body for dinghy, motor and sail cruising, all forms of sail racing, RIBs and sportsboats, windsurfing, personal watercraft, and a representative body for inland waterways cruising, celebrating boating community heroes might even inspire someone else to share their own time, expertise and energy to support sailing and boating activities at an organisation.
“The RYA Awards are all about celebrating the people and organisations who make a real difference on and off the water,” says Cat Ferguson, RYA club & volunteer support officer.
“It’s one of the most uplifting parts of what we do — hearing stories of passion, kindness, and commitment from every corner of the sailing and boating community, and the impactful projects and initiatives that help our sport thrive.”
The RYA Awards 2026
Impact Awards (England)
Presented throughout the year, the Impact Awards (England) honour individuals and organisations who go above and beyond to make boating more successful, inclusive, sustainable and enjoyable.
Whether it’s a simple and heartfelt thank you for someone’s quiet dedication or in recognition of a broader impact, nominations are welcome at any time — there’s no deadline.
If your nominee is an individual, they’ll also be automatically considered for the National Individual Awards, to be presented at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show in February 2026. Impact Award nominations received for individuals by 1 October 2025 will be reviewed for this national recognition.
For nominees in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland please nominate through the RYA Home Country’s Awards programmes.
Affiliate Awards
RYA Affiliated clubs, classes and organisations across the UK can also apply for the RYA Affiliate Awards, supported by Gallagher, also presented at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show.
With five categories covering everything from sustainability and inclusion to event delivery and youth engagement, the Affiliate Awards showcase the many ways our clubs and communities bring boating to life.
Applications for 2026 are open now, with a closing date of 1 October 2025.
How to nominate someone for an RYA Award
If you know a person or an organisation that’s helped make sailing and boating better, brighter or more inclusive, nominate them for an RYA Award today – the RYA website has full guidance notes, category details and nomination forms for both the Impact Awards and Affiliate Awards.
