Outdoor Activities Centre

RYA News Release:

Local sailor Bill Whiteside from Liverpool Sailing Club was presented with one of the RYA’s (Royal Yachting Association) most prestigious awards, an RYA Community Award for Outstanding Contribution, by HRH the Princess Royal, President of the RYA at the organisation’s annual awards ceremony in London on 23 November.

A total of 48 voluntary awards were presented to winners hailing from across the UK from as far afield as Hayling Island and Loch Tummel, Scotland.

Bill has been passing on his passion for watersports to young people in the Liverpool area for over 60 years. He started developing watersports activities in the area in the 1950’s, often with a focus on encouraging local, underprivileged young people to get involved and take part. He established the Merseyside Youth Challenge Trust (MYCT), a charity supported by hundreds of volunteers as well as those on job seeking initiatives.

With his wealth of local expertise he helped Liverpool Sailing Club redevelop after a difficult period and the two organisations now work closely together to provide sailing to anyone in the local area. The club and the trust have a joint charity, ‘Youth Afloat’, which caters for all youngsters aged between 13 -19 who have an interest in sailing. Bill is often on the water teaching the youngsters from the club’s RIB.

Bill gives his time and energy because he is passionate about sailing and about getting young people out on the water, and the Award celebrates the positive impact he has on the lives of so many young people.

Bill and the other RYA Award winners enjoyed a celebratory lunch in the presence of HRH the Princess Royal, and were presented with a commemorative medallion and certificate.

Sarah Treseder, RYA Chief Executive says “The RYA is delighted to make this RYA Volunteer Award in recognition of Bill’s enthusiasm, promotion of our sport and many years’ contribution to the North West’s sailing scene. All 48 RYA winners are an inspiration to us all and it is my pleasure to recognise and celebrate their sheer hard work and commitment through these awards.”