A West Wales sailor is to receive one of the top national awards for helping to make Neyland a thriving centre for boating in Wales.

Gwyn Phillips, of Neyland Yacht Club, will receive the RYA Community Award - Outstanding Contribution. Over many years, Gwyn has helped support and develop a wide range of activities at Neyland Yacht Club (NYC), having also served on the main committee and many sub-committees in a variety of roles.

RYA sport development manager Duncan Truswell explained: “The RYA Volunteer Awards are all about celebrating the commitment of the countless volunteers who do fantastic work to support boating in all its forms. These people are the lifeblood of our sport; they keep our sailing clubs, events and our organisations thriving and make it possible for others to get out on the water.”

Gwyn has given up many hours to man and operate the starting deck for all of the club’s dinghy and cruiser racing events which take place every Wednesday and Thursday night and on Sunday mornings.

As part of his work behind the scenes as club secretary, he takes bookings for parties and meetings at the club, as well as arranging big fundraising efforts to help support the club and its junior section financially.

His infectious enthusiasm extends to arranging out-of-season working parties, encouraging members to paint the decking, clear drains and check radio masts. The endless hours Gwyn has selflessly dedicated have helped ensure the club operates efficiently and continues to thrive.

Despite battling ill health over the past few years, Gwyn’s tireless effort and unstinting contribution have helped NYC become a major centre for boating in Wales.