Dedicated volunteer Nadina Lincoln, from Hoveringham-based Notts County Sailing Club, has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to the sport.
She has received an award for services to boating in the region from the Royal Yachting Association.

Nadina is among 44 unsung heroes from sailing clubs and associations across the UK who have been celebrated in this year’s prestigious RYA Volunteer Awards.

Nadina has been a member of Notts County SC for more than 25 years and serving on the general committee and as Commodore, she has been a driving force in the development of the club.

A qualified national judge, she was a national race officer and is currently a regional race officer.

In nominating Nadina for the RYA Regional Award, the club added: “A dinghy racer at heart, she has made a significant contribution, improving knowledge of rules at her club, across the Midlands and nationally. Her wealth of experience has been invaluable to clubs in developing good practice and good racing.

“She is someone who exemplifies that sailing is a sport for life, not only enjoying it but giving so much back.”

As a Midlands Regional Rules Advisor and part of the RYA Race Management Group, Nadina has travelled thousands of miles visiting clubs to share her expertise, and has supported countless racing events, large and small ,over the years at her home club and around the country.

She has also been chairman of the Scorpion dinghy class association and still races competitively.

Nadina said she was inspired to help out with race management with her husband, William, when their two children started competing.

“Rather than sit on the bank we got into helping with running the racing,” she explained.

“I was very conscious that our kids had been through the regional and national squads and had a lot of help from other people, so it was nice to contribute and when they grew up we carried on.

“I took an interest in judging as well and I particularly liked the rules side of it.

“I like disentangling what’s happened on the water and trying to convey the rules in a way that is understandable, and enjoyed going to clubs to give talks.

“Now that I can’t sail so much, helping with race management and the rules is a good way to keep seeing people and stay involved with the sport.”

There is usually a glittering awards ceremony in London but this year, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the awards have been presented to volunteers at their local sailing clubs or during online gatherings from the safety of home.

Sarah Treseder, RYA chief executive, said: “This year more than ever before we have seen our club volunteers come together and work tirelessly to ensure members can continue to sail.

“The generosity and dedication of each of the RYA Volunteer Award recipients is simply outstanding and it’s a pleasure to be able to recognise these winners through this award.”

Read all about each winner or find more information about the RYA Volunteer Awards at https://www.rya.org.uk/

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