Third Time Lucky As Staunton Harold Named Best Sailing Club Finalist

Staunton Harold Sailing Club is hoping it's third time lucky after once again being named as a finalist for the prestigious RYA Club of the Year Award. The Midlands-based club was shortlisted in the final five for the award in 2012 and 2013, and will discover if they have landed the 2014 accolade of Britain's best sailing club at the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show at Alexandra Palace on Saturday 1 March. The annual RYA Club of the Year, presented by sailing's national governing body, recognises clubs who excel at promoting the sport of sailing, encouraging people on to the water and making their activities varied and accessible to the community. Staunton Harold has an enviable record of attracting people to, and keeping them, sailing. The club has generated a 50% increase in membership over the past three years, thanks to its friendly, welcoming ethos, range of RYA training courses, work with schools and the local community and significant programme of facilities investment, totaling £150,000 to date. Its Open Day regularly welcomes over 100 visitors yearly, and its popular annual 'Sailability Day' attracts well over 100 disabled participants. Meanwhile, those who sail at Staunton Harold have countless opportunities to improve their skills, take part in competitive racing and make the most of the club's buzzing social scene, including its massively popular summertime Friday Night Club, where fun, informal sessions are run for adults and kids complete with BBQ. Nick Waters, Staunton Harold Club Commodore, said: "We're delighted to have been shortlisted for the RYA Club of the Year again. Last year saw us build on the success of the previous two years with success stories in every part of the club. "Over 100 volunteers directly contribute to the running of the club on committees, training, race management, safety, maintenance, bar and galley, and this nomination would not have been possible without their dedication and diligence." The other shortlisted clubs are Brightlingsea SC (Essex), Horning SC (Norfolk), Sussex Yacht Club (West Sussex) and Ulley SC (South Yorkshire). All five clubs will collect finalist awards from the British Sailing Team's Megan Pascoe, before the overall winner is revealed by RYA CEO, Sarah Treseder. In more great news for Staunton Harold, rising star, Ellie Craig, 14, will also be presented with an RYA Regional Youth Champion Award for the East Midlands at the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show. Ellie, previously a member of the RYA North Zone Topper Squad, is progressing towards the RYA National Junior squad in the junior one-person class. As an RYA Champion Club, Staunton Harold has enjoyed much success feeding talented youngsters like Ellie into the RYA's hugely-successful Junior and Youth Racing Programme, on the pathway to Olympic classes sailing. Jackie Bennetts, RYA Club Support Advisor, said: "Without the ongoing support and commitment from individual members, clubs wouldn't exist and certainly wouldn't offer the range or quality of activities which are crucial to the continued success of both clubs and our sport." Staunton Harold certainly won't be resting on their laurels in 2014. The club's RYA learn to sail courses start on Saturday 19 April for adults and Saturday 10 May for juniors. Meanwhile their Open Day, when anyone can go along and try sailing for free, takes place on Bank Holiday Monday 25 August. For more full details about everything going on at Staunton Harold SC this year visit www.shsc.org.uk or for information about sailing in Derbyshire visit www.rya.org.uk/regions/eastmidlands Thanks to Gallagher Heath, supporters of the RYA Club of the Year Award, and Sailing Awards, who have donated the Club of the Year trophy.