National Award for Snettisham Beach Sailor

The Guiding Light Awards are made to individuals who have been involved in leading projects that have made a significant positive impact to their organisations.

Adrian Tebbutt was presented with the Royal Yachting Association Guiding Light Award at the RYA Awards Reception and Presentation event held at the Dinghy and Watersports Show held at Farnborough International Exhibition Centre last month.

Adrian has been involved in sailing for a many years, serving in various capacities on a number or committees, plus racing regularly. He is currently President of North West Norfolk Sailing Association and a member of the RYA East Regional Team. He retired from the position of Commodore of Snettisham Beach Sailing Club at the end of the sailing season, having served in the position for 10 years and is now the Accessible Sailing Coordinator.

In that time he has been involved in the ‘greening’ of the club with the installation of Solar PV and Solar Thermal systems replacing a diesel generator and gas boilers, thus greatly reducing pollution and improving sustainability, installation of a community defibrillator, and helping to upgrade some of the vital equipment used by Snettisham Beach Sailing Club RYA Training Centre.

Peter Hutchinson, long term club and committee member says “Adrian is a powerhouse and has demonstrated how 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 been integral in establishing an Accessible Sailing programme, fundraising to install a floating pontoon, hoist and wheelchair pathway at the lakeside as well as purchasing 3 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 and also those who would simply like to spend time on the water. Adrian says “ 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.”

The award was presented by Hannah Diamond, member of the 2024 Women’s America’s Cup team and Emirates GBR Sail GP Team, and Sir Michael Arthur, RYA Chair.