To recognise outstanding contribution to the sport of sailing Neil McInnes is given by HRH the Princess the RYA Volunteer Award

On the 18th of November Neil McInnes attended a ceremony in London and he was presented by HRH The Princess Royal the RYA Volunteer Award to recognise the outstanding contribution he has made to the sport of sailing.

Neil has encouraged many new members to take up sailing and has enabled them to learn and gain confidence in a safe and secure environment. Existing members have also benefited by becoming involved in training and further developing their own skills. Most especially, Neil has developed the junior members of the club – rapidly getting them to a stage of being able to race – further developing their skills and encouraging them to become involved in regional race series, zone squads, etc.

Most of the club members, committee members and officers put in many hours for the club, however few have put in the sustained effort Neil has since joining the club and, in particular, over the last 18 years. His impact on the development of the club and its members has been extremely beneficial, however his impact on the junior members has been exceptional.