GREEN FOCUS AT PENNINE SAILING CLUB EARNS NATIONAL AWARD
Pennine Sailing Club has been presented with a Certificate of Commendation at a national awards ceremony in recognition of its commitment to the environment and sustainability.
The Royal Yachting Association and Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year awards, supported by Gallagher, recognise the outstanding achievement of sailing clubs across the UK and were given out at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show presented by Suzuki at Farnborough International Exhibition Centre in Hampshire on Saturday (25 February 2023).
Volunteer-run Pennine Sailing Club – based at Winscar Reservoir in the Peak District National Park near Holmfirth – earned a special mention and certificate at the ceremony in recognition of its work to implement ‘green’ policies across all of its activities.
Commenting on the award, Commodore Steve Walker said: “We’re really pleased to have received a Certificate of Commendation and going forward we are committed to ensuring that environmental issues continue to be high on the agenda for the club.”
Actions by the club have included: removing and recycling 400 tyres from the boat park and replacing them with purpose-made boat supports; sourcing environmentally friendly materials for re-cladding the clubhouse; using a small wind generator to charge batteries on the club tractor; removing single-use plastics and polystyrene from the catering; and encouraging efficient energy use in the clubhouse and on powerboats.
In addition, the club now holds all its committee meetings on Zoom to reduce the need for travel, heating and lighting. The club has also applied for grants to support the installation of solar panels to reduce energy costs and enable it to move away from using LPG.
The club liaises closely with its landlords Yorkshire Water and works with students from Sheffield University and Sheffield Hallam University sailing clubs, who are based at Pennine SC and have been enthusiastically supporting its green initiatives.
Sheffield University Sailing Club achieved a Gold Award in The Green Blue University Sailing Sustainability Challenge 2023, also presented at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show.
Steve added: “The work now continues and we have a noticeboard in the clubhouse which raises awareness among members, explains what we’ve delivered so far and outlines our future plans.”
Pennine Sailing Club is an RYA Recognised Training Centre offering sailing courses for all ages, and its activities include racing, social sailing, radio controlled yachting and children’s sessions. The club is also the home of Huddersfield Sea Cadets.
To find out more visit www.pennine-sc.co.uk and look out for the club’s open day on Sunday 7 May, or explore further information about how to get on the water at www.rya.org.uk/start-boating.
