AN inspirational volunteer who is behind a boom in youth sailing locally has been honoured for his work.

Graeme Galbraith has been recognised by governing body RYA Scotland for his efforts at Royal Gourock Yacht Club, where cadet numbers have doubled under his watch.

He is the proud recipient of their latest Impact Award, a scheme which shines a spotlight on people who are working to develop the sport.

Graeme was nominated for his involvement in the cadet programme at RGYC, transforming it and bringing vital leadership to the table.

After putting himself forward for the role of cadet convener back in 2019, Graeme built a team of former cadets to help deliver weekly activities including water sessions, theory classes during winter and coached racing – plus the annual cadet regatta.

The programme is consistently oversubscribed each year, with over 45 cadets on the books.

Graeme said: "From early 2021 we started to look at getting the kids afloat again, which was a bit tricky considering quite a lot of people had moved away during the Covid period, getting them back was always going to be difficult.

“So, rather than the programme that’s existed at Royal Gourock for probably decades now, we decided we would mix it up a wee bit with more activities on offer rather than just the sailing.

“I think certainly the kids are a more active part of the club now.”

Graeme has also made sure the club's executive committee are equipped to deal with various child protection aspects of the programme, and that policies, training, and nominated individuals to lead on different matters are identified.

Eager to ensure continuity, he also made time to train up other adult club members, who have now taken over the cadet convener position.

Commending Graeme on his hard work, Royal Gourock’s water sport secretary Colin MacDonald said: “Graeme inherited a group of approximately 20 cadets, and we’re now actually at our maximum, and we have been for the last two years.

“The key to it was getting the senior cadets involved, the people who have been through the programme.

“Graeme was very inspirational in getting five or six young leaders involved and having them lead the cadets.”