Gay and lesbian sailors from the Sailing & Cruising Association are celebrating after being named Finalist Royal Yachting Association Club of the Year 2011.
The group were shortlisted from a total of 34 national entries and selected as one of five finalists, narrowly missing on the top spot which was awarded to South Staffordshire Sailing Club.
The awards panel judged the club on the range of quality and safe activities they provide, how they encourage people to get out on the water and how well they engage with gay community.
Of particular interest to the judges, was the virtual concept of the Sailing & Cruising Association. With no fixed club house, the organisation is still able to reach out to its members, both domestically and overseas and, with an extensive annual activities programme, the organisation brings like-minded sailors together in a professionally run, friendly and fun club.
Club Commodore, Reggie Blennerhassett, said: “We are delighted to accept this Finalist award, which recognises the hard work of all the club members throughout each year, but also the fun and professionalism with which the club is run”.
The Sailing & Cruising Association promotes boating, including for novices, among gays and lesbians, their families and friends. Members often crew on each other’s boats and also join together to charter boats at home and abroad. The Association encourages members to train for safe boating, and is affiliated to boating’s governing body the Royal Yachting Association.
The London branch of the club meets on the second Tuesday evening of each month and the East Coast members meet on the first Thursday of each month, with both groups offering a forum for sailors to meet each other, work together and plan trips.
For more information see www.gaysailing.org.uk
