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The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is celebrating a unique achievement after winning two major categories last night at the prestigious BASIS Awards, the UK’s leading celebration of sustainability in sport. 

The BASIS Awards spotlight the people, projects, and partnerships driving climate action, innovation, and environmental stewardship across sport—from grassroots initiatives to national governing bodies. Winning projects are recognised not only for their impact, but also for inspiring others and accelerating sustainability across the wider sporting community. sustainability in sport. 

This year, the RYA was shortlisted in two categories—and won both: 

• Nature Award – LIFE Recreation ReMEDIES Project 
• Partnership of the Year – Clean Water Sports Alliance (CWSA) 

The RYA’s success in the Nature category recognises the impact of the LIFE Recreation ReMEDIES Project, delivered in partnership with conservation organisations and the RYA’s environmental programme, The Green Blue. 

This project also recently achieved international acclaim, winning the World Sailing 11th Hour Racing Impact Award, regarded globally as one of the most significant acknowledgements of excellence in marine sustainability. 

ReMEDIES brought together the boating community and environmental experts to restore and protect vulnerable seagrass meadows and maerl beds across five Special Areas of Conservation along England’s south coast. Key achievements included restoring 8 hectares of seagrass, installing 17 eco-mooring systems, establishing three no-anchor zones, and engaging tens of thousands of people through outreach and training. 

The RYA’s second win of the evening—Partnership of the Year—celebrates the impact of the Clean Water Sports Alliance (CWSA), a collaboration formed in April 2024 by seven national governing bodies, including the RYA, to tackle the growing issue of water pollution. 

While the ReMEDIES Project focuses on habitat restoration and sustainable boating practices, the CWSA addresses the broader health of the UK’s rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. Together, these two award-winning initiatives reflect the RYA’s approach to environmental responsibility—protecting ecosystems while championing safe, clean, and nature-rich spaces for everyone who enjoys time on the water. 

The Alliance has since grown to include 11 sports representing over 450,000 recreational water users, engaging water companies, sharing cross-sport data, and meeting with government officials to ensure the needs of recreational water users are heard at the highest levels. 

Kate Fortnam, RYA Sustainability Manager stated  “Winning both the Nature Award and Partnership of the Year is an incredible recognition of the passion and hard work of everyone involved. These projects show what can be achieved when the boating community, conservation partners, and national governing bodies come together with a shared purpose. We’re proud of the progress we have made so far, and these awards inspire us to keep pushing for cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable waters for everyone.”