A MEMBER of Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club based at Grimwith Reservoir, near Grassington, has received one of the Royal Yachting Association’s most prestigious awards in recognition of his dedication to the sport.

Tony Dalton, who has been a member of the club for 10 years, is amongst those recognised this year for his exceptional commitment to the sport.

The sailing club nominated Tony for a community ward for outstanding contribution in recognition of his volunteering across many aspects of club life and following the unprecedented demands presented by the Coronavirus pandemic.

In nominating him, the club said: "Always positive and constructive, Tony has earned enormous respect from the committee and other members. He has increasingly contributed to the club’s development with his wise judgement, thorough and meticulous approach and amazing work ethic.”

Tony, 59, a retired director from Cononley, joined the sailing club with his family after learning to sail on holiday and was soon helping with safety boat duties and maintaining the club’s powerboats. Joining the committee, he also became the club’s bosun and was instrumental in sorting out the heating and water systems, putting new buoys on the water and installing a weather station.

In 2020 he then took on the role of Covid officer, interpreting ever-changing Government guidelines and ensuring the club had the signage, procedures and protective equipment for it to open up activities when it was possible and safe to do so for members. Lockdowns also saw the refurbishment of the changing rooms.

Tony said: “We’re blessed to have such a great sailing club so close to hand. The facilities are superb – including the clubhouse, boat park, equipment and training fleet – and the club has a great atmosphere. I just think volunteering is about putting something back into the club and it’s not just me, there is a small army of people who all help at Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club. There are many people who’ve done lots over the years - keeping the club running is a real team effort."

The RYA is boating’s national governing body and 50 awards were presented this year to long-standing volunteers and committed youngsters from across the UK.

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.”

Family-friendly Yorkshire Dales SC is an RYA Recognised Training Centre and RYA OnBoard accredited for its youth and junior sailing. The club offers a warm welcome for anyone keen to find out more about its activities or courses, visit www.yorkshiredales.sc or discover more about sailing at www.rya.org.uk/start-boating.