BUDWORTH Sailing Club have been crowned the Royal Yachting Association’s Club of the Year.

The Northwich club, which sails on Budworth Mere, earned the prize ahead of nine other clubs from across the UK by way of public vote.

A delegation from the club, which is currently celebrating its 75th anniversary, was on hand to receive the award at the RYA’s Dinghy and Watersports Show on Saturday.

On winning the award, club Commodore Bill Kenyon said: “It feels amazing.

“The award is not just for us, it’s for the sailing club and all the people that make the place what it is.

“It’s an amazing achievement.”

Budworth currently have around 450 members, from youngsters learning to helm a boat for the first time to experienced sailors well into their 90s.

Among their highlights of 2021 have been a junior team winning a national 12-hour endurance race and two club members going head-to-head for the coveted GP14 National Youth Championship.

Rob Clark, RYA’s director of sport development, said: “A huge congratulations to BSC.

“It’s been great to have the opportunity to recognise the amazing efforts of clubs and the volunteers who are central to success, especially at a time when we we’re seeing an unprecedented amount of people wanting to spent time on the water.

“Every club recognised are worthy finalists and it’s been wonderful to be able to celebrate their success.”

To find out more about Budworth Sailing Club and the extensive number of programmes they can offer, visit the club website – budworthsc.org.uk.