Veteran sailing volunteer Mick Renny receives Impact Award

Mick Renny has been presented with the Welsh Sailing | Hwylio Cymru Impact Award in recognition of almost ten years of voluntary service to sailing in Pembrokeshire and across Wales.

The accolade was handed to him by Sarah McGovern, chief operating officer of RYA Cymru Wales, at a ceremony held at the RYA headquarters in Cardiff.

“Mick has made a huge difference to our Performance Sub Committee,” McGovern said. “He has supported and guided performance managers in their decision making and has helped Welsh Sailing through many tough decisions.”

“Not many people volunteer their time to committees.” For Mick to have committed to over nine years of support is epic and we are hugely grateful for his time and contribution.”

Renny’s involvement began when his son Tom took up Optimist class racing at Teifi Boating Club in Cardigan, prompting the father to assist with safety cover at local events.

He recalled, “I started out helping to provide safety cover on the water at local events and gradually became more involved, supporting national events as well and then the Performance Sub Committee from around 2017.”

During his tenure he helped sustain a programme that funds young sailors, making the sport more accessible to a wider demographic.

“I contributed to what was already an established programme in Wales and a lot of it was to do with supporting sailors financially to make the sport accessible,” he explained.

Renny highlighted the broader benefits of sailing for youth, noting the sport’s role in developing decision‑making and independence.

“For a small population Wales has done very well with sports like sailing.” We’ve been fortunate to have the support of Sport Wales, and also various individuals within the organisation who have offered a lot over the years,” he said.

His previous career as a youth worker underpins his commitment to providing opportunities for young people that might otherwise be out of reach.

“I used to have a career as a youth worker, so I always had an interest and commitment to wanting to support young people to have opportunities they might not otherwise get,” he added.

Renny pointed to the success of former Welsh juniors who have gone on to international acclaim.

“It’s an amazing benefit that young people get from sailing and whether that’s decision making or independence, it gives them incredible life skills.” It’s been rewarding seeing young sailors coming through and progressing, including the likes of Olympian Micky Beckett, Lou Boorman’s incredible achievement as a Clipper Round the World Yacht Race skipper, and so many others who’ve made a career in sailing or benefited from their journey in the sport,” he said.

Beyond his national role, Renny served on the management committee of Fishguard Bay Yacht Club, spending three years as rear commodore before stepping down earlier this year.

The Impact Award, part of the Welsh Sailing | Hwylio Cymru programme, recognises individuals who have made a lasting contribution to the sport’s development and performance pathways.

Renny’s decade of dedication underscores the vital role volunteers play in sustaining Wales’s sailing ambitions, from grassroots clubs to elite international competition.

As the sport looks to build on recent successes, organisers hope the example set by volunteers like Mick Renny will inspire a new generation of supporters and mentors.