Happy 85th Birthday as Strangford Lough Yacht Club is RYA Club of the Year Award Finalist

14th November 2019

Strangford Lough Yacht Club celebrates 85 years this weekend Credit: John Clarke Photography

Strangford Lough Yacht Club that celebrates its 85th anniversary this weekend is celebrating its shortlisting as a finalist in the 2020 RYA Club of the year competition writes Betty Armstrong.

As Afloat reported earlier, two northern clubs have been selected as finalists in the 2020 RYA and Yachts and Yachting Club of the year competition. Strangford Lough YC on the island-studded Strangford Lough, and East Antrim BC on Larne Lough, are among the ten who have made it through to the final of this UK wide competition. EABC has also been named as one of five finalists in the category recognising Particular Achievements for ‘Embracing Modern Communications’.

Strangford Lough YC lies on Whiterock Bay on the west side of the Lough and this weekend celebrates its 85th Anniversary. Jack Kennedy, Communications Captain said “We are absolutely delighted for Strangford Lough Yacht Club to be selected as one of the ten finalists for the RYA Club of the Year. This recognition is a credit to all our members who make SLYC the great club that it is”.

East Antrim BC has been providing sailing for a wide variety of boats since 1950. Commodore Stephen Kirby, said” East Antrim Boat club is delighted to have been selected as a finalist for the RYA Club of the Year. It’s a fantastic recognition of all the hard work that has been done by committed members. As Commodore I am also extremely pleased that East Antrim Boat Club has been acknowledged for ‘Embracing Modern Communications’ and this gives me great confidence that the club will continue batting above its weight, enthusing new and existing members in the future”.

"There are 10 finalists and it all comes down to a public vote"

There are 10 finalists and it all comes down to a public vote which opens on 13th December and closes on 29th February.

“We’re delighted to be able to announce this year’s finalists". said RYA Programmes Manager Michelle Gent. “The Panel were inspired to see how much activity goes on in clubs all year round and the number of volunteers who go that extra mile to make it all happen”. Rob Peake, Editor of Yachts & Yachting said: “We had a tough time whittling down the high standard of entries this year to the shortlist you see here, but the tougher task is now yours!”

Awards will be presented, and the overall winner will be announced at the RYA Dinghy Show 2020 on Saturday 29 February. From the 13 December cast your vote here

Published in Northern Ireland Waters

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Strangford Lough Yacht Club

About The Author

Betty Armstrong

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Betty Armstrong is Afloat and Yachting Life's Northern Ireland Correspondent. Betty grew up racing dinghies but now sails a more sedate Dehler 36 around County Down

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