A sailing club training team based near Denbigh has been recognised with an award.
The crew at Llyn Brenig Sailing Club received the RYA Cymru Wales Impact Award in recognition of their commitment to inspiring the next generation to develop a passion for the sport.
Led by chief instructor Gary Richards, the award honours the club’s work in introducing nearly 100 children and 60 adults to sailing, with 110 of them achieving their RYA Stage 1 or Level 1 certificates.
Mr Richards said: "It was amazing to understand it was a child who from the heart suggested the team for an Impact Award.
"It means a lot to have been put forward by a young person.
"It’s a sport that can open a lot of doors and it’s nice to know that what we do has an impact on their lives and that’s why we do it.
"We see young people developing sailing and life skills and our sailors also come home from events with some good results.
"Helping them to achieve milestones they’ve worked so hard for is really rewarding."
The club was nominated by parent Lian Crierie, following the suggestion of her nine-year-old son.
Ms Crierie said: "The training team, through hard work and dedication, have injected a refreshed and new spirit and energy into the club.
"Not only have they trained many, they have also been instrumental in offering a development pathway for the juniors to develop their sailing skills.
"As a result we are now proud to have a growing youth squad who are developing confidence, friendships and love of the sport.
"Alongside the youth squad they have kept 'newbies' informed through a dedicated section in the club weekly newsletter offering advice and helpful tips.
"They’re also on hand to help out with any rigging or boating queries we have.
"The willingness of the training team to offer their time, knowledge and support means that we have a host of new sailors entering the club who have found and continue to develop their love for the sport.
"Diolch yn fawr."
Mr Richards became chief instructor around 2023 and has since built a volunteer team of around a dozen assistant, dinghy and powerboat instructors.
Their dedication has led to the development of a thriving junior section, with young sailors supported to attend events further afield, including the Welsh Sailing OnBoard Festival at Bala.
Some have gone on to compete at national and international levels, with selections for the Welsh Sailing National Team, and others have become instructors and coaches themselves.
Looking ahead to 2026, the club is hoping to work with schools to introduce more local children to the sport via free taster sessions.
Mr Richards said: "Sailing is a sport that people think you need a lot of money for, and they don’t realise that at a local club like ours it’s both accessible and affordable.
"We have our own boats available for people to get on the water, sailing kit to borrow and fully qualified instructors."
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