Rutland Sailability has scooped second place in the prestigious national CCPR (Central Council of Physical Recreation) 2007 Sports Club of the Year Awards.

Chairman of Rutland Sailability, Ray Johnston, was presented with a commemorative plaque and an award of £3,000 by footballing legend Sir Bobby Charlton CBE and Minister for Sport, Richard Caborn, MP, at a glittering ceremony held in London.

The award recognised the outstanding work by volunteers at the club in providing the support, training and equipment for sailors with disabilities to enjoy the challenge of a physical activity in a safe and friendly environment.

Ray Johnston said: “The money will be invested in a new mechanical handling device for the club, making launching and recovering boats easier for our volunteers. We will also be auctioning off a menu from the evening signed by Sir Bobby Charlton CBE to raise even more money for the club.”

Rutland Sailability is one of the UK’s largest Sailability operations and an RYA Sailability Centre of Excellence that is used to advise other clubs on how to run successful Sailability centres. It has a fleet of over 20 specially adapted boats used by around 300 regular members and thousands of school children each year. The club also heads up a national project collaborating with Rotary clubs nationwide to raise money directly for their local Sailability clubs.