LOCAL schools and groups are backing Otley Sailing Club for a national award - as the voting deadline looms.

The club in one of 11, from across the country, to have reached the final of the 2019 RYA and Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year Awards.

The Otley club was chosen in recognition of its work to help people of all ages and abilities, through its Sailfree scheme, take part in the sport. The overall award winner will be decided by the public and Yachts & Yachting magazine has announced that voting, which ends on Monday, January 28, is close.

Among the many groups who have already cast a vote for Otley Sailing Club is Hollybank Trust, a Mirfield-based charity.

Chris Silverwood from the Trust said: “This is one of the best enrichment activities we offer and the opportunity that Otley Sailing Club offers us is amazing!

“Our adults, who have profound multiple learning disabilities and severe and complex medical needs, have so much fun being out on the water. They are able to experience the sensory stimuli of the water, wind, movement and sounds that are all around them as they sail around the beautiful lake at Otley.

“They benefit from the social aspects of time in the clubhouse, too, and watching others out on the water.

“Over the years the club has made us feel so welcome by adapting their facilities to meet the needs of our users. They have also trained staff to helm and crew the powerboats and undertake all aspects of running our sessions safely.”

Others attending the Sailfree sessions have included High Park School in Heaton, Bradford; East SILC (Specialist Inclusive Learning Centre); and John Jamieson School, in Leeds.

Level 3 Teaching Support at John Jamieson School, Susan Pogson, said: “It is wonderful to witness the students’ increased self esteem and confidence when sailing a boat. Otley Sailing Club volunteers are supportive, encouraging and patient.

“One ex-student who went on to achieve his Platinum Award said he loved sailing because it gave him the peace and quiet to forget his worries and feel less stressed.”

A 60-strong team of volunteers at Otley ran more than 2,700 Sailfree sessions in 2018 for young people and adults with disabilities and complex learning difficulties.

Otley Sailing Club spokeswoman Karen McDonald said: “We’ve been overwhelmed and really touched by the kind words and support from local people, groups and schools, and we’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who’s voted for us.

“It would be fantastic if even more people could cast their vote before the deadline to help us bring the Club of the Year award home to Yorkshire!” Votes can be cast at http://awards.yachtsandyachting.co.uk/rya/ .