The club’s RYA training centre, led by principal, Heidi Wright, has won a top award.

Essex Youth Service have presented Walton and Frinton Yacht Club RYA Training Academy with their Gold Award, in recognition of the quality of our youth work. It’s the highest award they offer. This follows observation by qualified youth workers, who talked to young people at the club and recognised how safe and supported the youngsters feel under a highly trained staff.

Let’s hear from Heidi...

“Receiving the gold award is a privilege. Our training centre has been recognised for something we all enjoy doing – seeing young people of all backgrounds find confidence through sailing.

Our recent project, giving young people who without funding would not be able to access our sport the chance to progress to instructor level, is well underway. This is being supported by the Rebel Trust, through their bursary scheme.

I am very proud of my instructor team, who provide excellent training to people of all abilities and ages, inclusive of any learning, social, emotional or mental health needs.

We would like to thank everyone who has chosen to come sailing with us. We are looking forward to seeing many of you back on the water with us this year.”

Simon Hipkin, Rear Commodore (Sailing), said:

“We are proud that Walton and Frinton Yacht Club is one of the few organisations in north Essex to receive the gold award. Well done to Heidi and her team for all their hard work.”