Donal received an RYA Lifetime Commitment Award which recognises the exceptional and long-term commitments made by individuals at the grassroots level of the sports and activities the RYA represents.

Donal joined Crawley Mariners Yacht Club in 1985 and has served as Commodore, Honorary Secretary and Sailing Secretary. He was involved in the training programme at the club, initially as an Instructor and then as a Senior Instructor, Advanced Instructor and Level 2 Race Coach. He initiated a Junior Bursary Scheme to assist parents whose children were becoming dinghy instructors or developing their sailing outside of the club.

As a long-standing lead on the development of junior sailors he was a key member of the management team for the club’s two annual residential weekends for youngsters. He attended almost all of them and his contribution was wide-ranging, from towing boats to developing the youngsters’ skills in spinnaker handling and trapezing technique. In addition, he took on the planning and day-to-day management of the club’s Junior Activity Week for three years.

Donal has organised monthly social meetings, researching and engaging speakers, and continues to serve on the sub-committees. Currently he is also Cruising Co-ordinator. His enthusiasm continues, and he always steps up to help both the club and his fellow members.

Donal said of his award: “I have enjoyed my various volunteer roles with Crawley Mariners over many years. The award was most unexpected. It is encouraging to see my modest contribution being formally recognised by the RYA.”

“Our sport relies so much on the goodwill and skills of volunteers at every level, without whom the opportunities to get involved in boating would be greatly reduced,” said RYA CEO Sara Sutcliffe MBE.

Volunteers form the core of Crawley Mariners, offering rewarding opportunities and assisting others to experience the water's numerous benefits. With various volunteering options available, dedicating even a small amount of your time can create a significant impact.