Snettisham Beach Sailing Club member Adrian Tubbutt receives Royal Yachting Association’s Guiding Light Award for his ‘significant’ impact on organisation

A sailor has been handed a national award for his “big ideas” which have helped his club become more eco-friendly.

Adrian Tebbutt, president of the North West Norfolk Sailing Association, was invited to an event in Farnborough, Hampshire, last month where he was presented with the prestigious Guiding Light Award.

Given by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), it recognises those who have made a significant and positive impact on their organisations.

Adrian has been involved in sailing for many years, serving a variety of roles on a number of committees.

Though he retired from the position of commodore of Snettisham Beach Sailing Club at the end of the sailing season after ten years in the position, he is now the accessible sailing coordinator and a member of the RYA East Regional Team.

Adrian’s peers have described him as a “powerhouse” for his efforts in greening the club with the installation of solar PV and solar thermal systems which replace a diesel generator and gas boilers reducing pollution and improving sustainability.

He also worked towards the installation of a community defibrillator and helped to upgrade some of the vital equipment used by the club and the RYA Training Centre.

Long-term club member Peter Hutchinson said: “Big ideas should not be dismissed as impossible but just need breaking into manageable parts to be addressed one at a time.

“The club will always be grateful for his example for members to follow and for making Snettisham Beach Sailing Club a better place for all to enjoy.”

Most recently Adrian has worked towards establishing an accessible sailing programme, through fundraising to install a floating pontoon, hoist and wheelchair pathway at the lakeside as well as purchasing three adapted sailing dinghies to add to the club fleet.

The new facilities can accommodate a wide range of disabilities and welcome individuals who would like to learn to sail, as well as those who would simply like to spend time on the water.

Adrian said: “Our aim is to encourage and develop participation in on-water activities for all ages and abilities and to train individuals requiring accessible sailing to be able to sail independently in a friendly, community environment, and, hopefully, to join in our main club activities where appropriate.”