Peter Willis, founder and President of the Nancy Blackett Trust, has received one of the RYA’s most prestigious awards in recognition of his services to sailing. His Lifetime Commitment Award was presented to him by HRH the Princess Royal, President of the RYA, during a ceremony which took place following the RYA”s Annual General Meeting in London on Friday 22nd November.

The RYA is boating’s national governing body and considers its Volunteer Awards the ‘MBEs’ of the sport, honouring people throughout the UK for their outstanding contributions across all the disciplines the RYA represents, including sailing, windsurfing, motor cruising, inland waterways and personal watercraft.

Peter has, for the last 22 years, been the inspiration and driving force behind the Nancy Blackett Trust which he launched with a public appeal for funds to purchase and complete the restoration of the classic yacht Nancy Blackett, once owned by the author Arthur Ransome, to preserve its history and keep it accessible to many. Today, Nancy Blackett is based on the River Orwell near Ipswich and regularly hosts groups of school children.

Peter said: “I feel I should share the award with the fantastic volunteer team who do so much to keep Nancy Blackett afloat to provide sailing opportunities for young and old alike.”