With its full membership and a current waiting list; year-round racing and training programme for both dinghies and cruisers as well a wide range of social activities for their club members (including a Christmas pantomime), Exe Sailing Club has been crowned RYA Club of the Year 2010.

The award was presented by new RYA CEO Sarah Treseder (pictured) at the RYA Volvo Dinghy Show over the weekend.

The Devon-based sailing club were picked as winners from five strong finalists; Bury Lake Young Mariners, Donaghadee Sailing Club, Spinnaker Sailing Club and Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club. (see previous PBO story for details of the five finalists)

The shortlisted sailing clubs were selected by an awards panel who judged them on how well they encouraged people to get out on the water, the range of quality and safe activities provided and how well they managed to engage with the local community.

Jackie Bennetts, who coordinates the RYA Club of the Year explained that the success of Exe Sailing Club was ‘down to their ability to attract and maintain a well qualified and motivated band of volunteers. They are an excellent example of a club which can offer fantastic and safe activities both in the water and at their club. They are very worthy winners of this award.’

Club vice commodore Rex Frost said: ‘We are delighted to have won this award and still can’t quite believe it. There are some fantastic sailing clubs out there, and to be named the best in country is an overwhelming achievement. Our club members will be over the moon and we can’t wait to go and celebrate with them.’

For more information about Exe Sailing Club visit www.exe-sailing-club.org

The RYA Volvo Dinghy Show is a grass roots show run for enthusiasts, the Dinghy Show provides a national showcase for RYA affiliated class associations and clubs; allows suppliers of dinghies and relevant equipment to exhibit their products to dinghy sailors and raises the enthusiasm and participation of dinghy sailors through a programme of lectures, seminars and demonstrations.

Find more information about the Volvo Sailing, please visit the website:
http://www.volvocars.co.uk/sailing