TWO TEIGNBRIDGE sailing volunteers have been presented with a prestigious national award by HRH the Princess Royal, president of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), in recognition of their exceptional generosity and commitment to the sport at grassroots level.

James Stevenson, who volunteers at Teignmouth’s Teign Corinthian Yacht Club, received a Lifetime Commitment award at the RYA’s annual awards held at One Great George Street, London on Friday 19 November.

James is a retired builder who maintained Teign Corinthian Yacht Club’s increasingly elderly clubhouse for about 20 years.

When a steady increase in female sailors required the provision of more changing space for them, he volunteered to design and build a new clubhouse for the cost of the materials. The result is that he has provided an iconic facility with changing spaces for 26 males and 26 females, a dedicated training room, office, clubhouse and a balcony looking over the finest sailing area on the River Teign. Through his commitment, determination, vision and enormous effort the club has saved over £300,000 and opened a clubhouse worthy of the 21st century.

Ideford resident Jane Hill, who volunteers with Starcross Yacht Club, received an Outstanding Contribution award at the RYA’s annual awards held at One Great George Street, London on Friday 19 November.

Jane has been a member of the club for nine years and the Chair of the Junior Section for most of that time. In her role, she has managed adult volunteer RYA Instructors, helpers and supporters as well as liaising with the club committee and junior teams.

Her enthusiasm is infectious and the club’s Junior Training Sessions have always been very well supported. She has inspired many young people, some of whom have become very competent sailors, powerboat drivers and Dinghy Instructors before they have left school. Jane has been an outstanding volunteer at the club, finding the time to organise sail training, seeing to the needs of the participants, and making sure the club boats are maintained to a good standard.

Rob Clark, RYA Director of Sport Development said: ‘2021 has been another challenging year for sailing organisations with outdoor activity restarting and restrictions slowly lifting.

‘More than ever volunteers are the backbone of our clubs and the wider boating community, and every single award winner has made an impact by sacrificing their time and expertise so others can enjoy being on the water. It’s a pleasure to recognise their achievements.’