Local sailors celebrated at RYA Scotland Annual Awards - The RYA Scotland Awards are an annual celebration of the people who make a difference across the recreational and competitive boating community in Scotland.

The 2019 awards take place at The Falkirk Wheel on Saturday 25 January 2020 where the winners will be announced.
John Connelly from Largs Sailing Club has been nominated in the Volunteer of the Year category for 2019. John has been, responsible as the as major events coordinator, delivering two back to back National Championships, the Laser Nationals with 122 entries, immediately followed by the Topper Nationals with a whopping 234 entries. Alongside Largs Regatta festival, the D-Zero and Musto Skiff Nationals. John's leadership, management and coordination of these events was crucial to their outstanding success, with great feedback from competitors and the club volunteers. John has been volunteering for over 20 years at the Club and is 100% committed to ensuring that the Club puts on the best events from racing to social arrangements ashore. 
John commented on receiving the nomination:“I feel honoured not just for me but for the team that supports me. I have been sailing since the age of 10 starting in the International Cadet Class, Shearwater Cat Class, Sigma Class and other Keelboats and catamarans. During that time I have participated in many regattas both here and abroad. All of the events were run in the main by volunteers. 
"I feel as I am now winding down it was time for me to return the favour for the next generation of sailors. I would say to others who are thinking about volunteering: go for it, your efforts will be greatly appreciated by the competitors and you will get a real buzz from the event.”
RYA Scotland Annual Awards sought nominations from across a variety of categories to help share some of the events and people who make a difference for people's time afloat, from epic performances to inspiring examples that enable so many people to enjoy our waters safely and successfully.
James Allan, RYA Scotland CEO said. “The eighth RYA Scotland Annual Awards is an opportunity for RYA Scotland to celebrate the people, who through their dedication and devotion make our activities successful. The people who bring new participants into our community and our sport, those who make the future possible for others and celebrate those who have excelled as a result of this and their own endeavours.