A West Sussex sailor was among dedicated volunteers from across the UK who had their endeavours recognised by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal at the annual RYA Awards ceremony in London on 24 November. The RYA Awards are presented to outstanding individuals or groups nominated by their sailing clubs and class associations and selected by the RYA Awards Panel.
Before the awards presentation, RYA CEO Sarah Treseder presented Her Royal Highness with pair of marine binoculars on behalf of the RYA’s Members to mark her 30 years as President of the RYA. Dick Eager of the Scouts West Sussex Sea School received an RYA Lifetime Commitment Award for his dedication to boating.
Over 40 years
In nominating Dick the Scouts West Sussex RYA Sea School wrote: Dick has been involved with youth dinghy sailing and powerboating for over 40 years as the Water Sports West Sussex County Activity Representative for the Scouting Association and the Scouts West Sussex Sea School Principal.
He has developed and qualified over 3,000 young sailors, many of whom have become RYA Instructors and/or commercial sailors. He has built up the school’s fleet and opened up RYA training to other sailing clubs within the Shoreham Harbour area and at Weir Wood Sailing Club. Dick’s goal is to get as many young people as possible RYA qualified and into sailing clubs.
Life changing skill
Dick views sailing as a life changing skill that can help young people integrate and develop further. By combining the best of the Scout Association Activity Centre, the Sea School and his own leadership, determination, skill, and commitment, he has benefited the West Sussex community as a whole.
Dick said of receiving the award: “It was a great honour to receive this award from HRH The Princess Royal. The ceremony was very efficiently executed and enjoyed by all.”
RYA Director of Sport Development, Alistair Dickson concluded: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of our sport. Today has been an excellent opportunity to celebrate the fantastic work our volunteers do to support boating activity in all forms throughout the UK. All of the stories behind these special people have been truly inspiring to hear and it’s really an honour to be able to say thank you and celebrate their amazing achievements.”
Do you know a volunteer who always goes the extra mile? Nominations for the 2018 RYA Volunteer Awards are now invited. For more information and to make a nomination visit www.rya.org.uk/go/ryavolunteerawards
For more information about how to get out on the water in the London and South East region visit www.rya.org.uk/go/startboating
For more about Scouts West Sussex Sea School visit http://members.westsussexscouts.org.uk/county/active-support-units/sea-school/
