A YOUNG sailor has received royal recognition for his work to encourage others to take up the sport.
Billy Maughan was named winner of the Royal Yachting Association’s (RYA) community award for youth in a ceremony held in London.
The 23-year-old, from Sunderland, was presented with his award by Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, president of the RYA.
Mr Maughan, who grew up in Seaburn, is credited with being the driving force behind the resurgence of dinghy sailing at Sunderland Yacht Club.
He began helping with club training in his late teens, becoming a Dinghy Instructor and joining the club’s Sailing Committee.
Now working for Rolls Royce, he continues to help out whenever he is back at home.
Mr Maughan said: “When I was young I just got so much out of sailing at Sunderland Yacht Club.
“It has been great to be involved with it all.”
RYA director Alistair Dickson said: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of our sport”.
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