Paignton sailor makes impact in and out of the water

At the recent RYA Dinghy Show held at Farnborough International, Nick Ripley of Paignton Sailing Club was awarded an RYA Impact Award.

The RYA Impact Awards aim to recognise people by celebrating and acknowledging their commitment, hard work and exceptional achievement within the water sport industry.

Nick has been a member of Paignton Sailing Club for over 17 years and is currently the Commodore of Sailing. He organises all the racing within the club, as well as coordinating with various dinghy class associations to run open events and nationals.

During his time at the club, he has become an RYA Mark Layer, RYA Race Officer, RYA Dinghy Instructor and, more recently, an RYA Power Boat Instructor. If he isn’t on the water, he spends time ashore helping to maintain the club boats and clubhouse.

Nick is often asked to support other National events at various venues, as well as finding time to sail his Blaze.

Morag Aiken, Commodore at Paignton Sailing Club said: “We were very pleased to learn that Nick had been nominated for an RYA Impact Award. Clubs like Paignton Sailing Club need enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to run and it is fantastic that Nick’s dedication to dinghy sailing has been recognised. He is a fantastic ambassador for Paignton Sailing Club.”