Neil McInnes is to be given RYA Volunteer Award for Lifetime Commitment to the Sport of Sailing

It has recently been announced by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) that Neil McInnes – Sailing Coach at Yeadon Sailing Club – is to be awarded an RYA Volunteer Award for Lifetime Commitment to the sport of sailing.

The RYA Volunteer awards are the MBE's of the sailing world and recognise outstanding contributions made by volunteers throughout the UK. The award will be presented by the RYA President, HRH The Princess Royal, at an awards ceremony to be held in London in November.

Neil’s award is in recognition of his long term contribution to the training and development of sailors at Yeadon Sailing Club. Through his commitment Neil has encouraged many people to take up sailing and the training that he provides enables new members to quickly reach a degree of competence that allows them to feel confident and enjoy sailing on the tarn and participating in club races.

Most especially through Neil’s encouragement and enthusiasm many of our juniors have quickly progressed from learning to sail, to racing, to competing in regional, national and international competitions. This year five of our juniors qualified for regional and national training squads and competed at National, European and World Championship level.

Neil has been YSC Sailing Coach since 1997 and over that time has taught many people to sail and race. He has made a significant contribution to the sport of sailing in this region and the award is well deserved.