ELY Sailing Club has been awarded the esteemed Royal Yachting Association s Champion Club status for their commitment to youth sailing. Olympic gold medalist, Paul Goodison and Olympic silver medalists Joe Glanfield and Nick Rogers presented the award to

ELY Sailing Club has been awarded the esteemed Royal Yachting Association's Champion Club status for their commitment to youth sailing.

Olympic gold medalist, Paul Goodison and Olympic silver medalists Joe Glanfield and Nick Rogers presented the award to the Commodore of Ely Sailing Club Niall Pearcey, at the RYA Dinghy Show held at Alexandra Palace earlier this month.

Mr Pearcey said: "We are delighted at receiving the award and are very pleased to have this recognition of the work our instructors, race coaches and members have put into developing youth racing at the club.

"We look forward to continuing our successful programme of sailing training over the new season and making the most of the opportunities which being a Champion Club offers."

Now the club has been awarded the prestigious status, they will have access to the recent �1.1m funding commitment from Sport England to the RYA's flagship youth sailing initiatives, which will see them benefit from professional advice and training.

Ely Sailing Club have an open afternoon on May 9 from 1-4 p.m and an open evening on May 14 from 6 p.m.