Chipstead Sailing Club shares two award winners and why it is an inclusive environment where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can thrive through watersports.
Meg Lifetime Achievement Award
Meg Warren is a longstanding and inspiring presence at Chipstead Sailing Club, Sevenoaks. Meg embodies dedication, generosity, and a genuine passion for sailing as a sport; one which she has been involved with since she was in single digits and will be 80 this year.
Meg’s commitment begins with her active membership within the club where she has been a member for decades and her infectious enthusiasm for sailing in all forms. Meg is always willing to step in as a crew, when many others may be scared off by the torrential rain or windy conditions, making sure her fellow sailors can still get out on the water and race when otherwise they could not.
Meg can also be seen taking to the water solo in her Comet dinghy, never put off by the weather. She represents the club proudly, regularly attending Comet Open events and National events around the U.K, acting as a positive ambassador wherever she goes.
Meg’s involvement extends far beyond the water. Meg has contributed significantly to the running of the club, stepping into various committee roles over her many dedicated years. She is often found behind the bar or lending a hand at working parties, never seeking recognition, simply recognising what needs to be done and doing it with her ‘characteristic energy’.
As a former nurse and qualified first aider, Meg ensures the safety and welfare of others, always willing to step in when needed. Meg also volunteers twice per week with Wealden Sailability, providing sailing opportunities to those with disabilities, further showcasing her commitment to helping the wider community. Furthermore, as an instructor Meg is always willing to pass her skills onto others and is one of the first to welcome new members, offering encouragement, guidance, and warmth that immediately makes people feel they belong. This is further exampled with Meg’s participation in initiatives such as Women on Water, promoting sailing to women, where she was a founding member in 2013.
Meg’s sense of humour and enthusiasm are felt by everyone around her. She lifts spirits and supports fellow members not just within the club but in their lives beyond it. Her reliability, kindness, and infectious positivity set her apart. Whether she’s cycling to the club in all weathers, celebrating others’ achievements, or quietly helping someone in need, Meg’s actions consistently demonstrate the values that make her truly inspirational.
Her contribution is woven through every aspect of Chipstead Sailing club’s life as well as volunteering for High Elms Country Park, creating an environment where people feel supported, included, and encouraged to thrive. Meg doesn’t just participate, she enriches the community, making her a standout candidate for this award.
Alex Lifetime Achievement Award
Alex Ross is a long standing and exceptional presence within Chipstead Sailing Club whose impact is felt through steady dedication, exceptional sailing knowledge and unwavering support for those around him. His decades of membership, coupled with his extensive sailing experience across a variety of boats and classes, reflects a lifetime of commitment to the sport, both in yachts and dinghies.
As a youth and adult sailing instructor, in the capacity of Dinghy Instructor, Senior Instructor and Training Principal who assisted in founding the Training Centre at Chipstead SC, Alex brings a wealth of seamanship and technical experience to training. He adapts his teaching to the needs of each student which helps sailors of all ages grow in confidence. His calm manner on the water and his depth of knowledge make him a role model for developing sailors, many of whom credit him with shaping their progression and their love of sailing.
Alex participates weekly in Saturday Adult Club, providing weekly training for sailors who need to build confidence, or to simply have a go.
Alex also has a history of prize-winning sailing, demonstrating not only skill, but a competitive edge. He never highlights his achievements, yet they serve as a quiet testament to his capability and passion.
What truly sets Alex apart, however, is the character he brings to the club. His sense of humour brings warmth and his patience creates an atmosphere where people feel comfortable asking for help, learning new skills, or simply enjoying time on the water. His support is not limited to the sailing environment. Alex is known for being a steady, positive force for members facing challenges beyond the club, offering encouragement and kindness in ways that often go unseen but never go unfelt.
Through his expertise, generosity, character, and heartfelt commitment to others, Alex’s impact is felt beyond the sailing club. In addition to his lengthy and significant contribution to the club he enriches the lives of the people within it. He embodies the quiet, consistent leadership that inspires without ever needing attention. For these reasons, Alex stands out as a deeply deserving candidate for the Inspirational Individual award.
Community Sports Group of the Year
Chipstead Sailing Club, at the heart of the Sevenoaks community is an inclusive environment where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can thrive through water sports.
The club supports: Dinghy Racing, RYA Dinghy Training, Women on Water, Paddleboarding, Open Water Swimming, Sailing opportunities for young people, Model Yachting, Canoeing and the base for Sevenoaks Sea Cadets. Moreover, the club hosts training for Sevenoaks based school groups namely New Beacon and Knoll Academy. The club is also a dedicated centre for Wealden Sailability, which enables those who have a disability or other need the opportunity to experience sailing with the benefits of being in nature and on the water. Consequently, Chipstead Sailing club is a key part of the local Sevenoaks community and provides a supportive culture with a broad range of benefits that extend far beyond sailing.
At Chipstead Sailing Club, we strive to create a supportive sporting environment, enabling sailing and water sports for all our groups to build confidence, allowing individuals to grow personally as well as technically. We encourage independence, helping participants develop resilience and trust in their own decision‑making on and off the water. Our extensive programme nurtures practical skills, giving members hands‑on experience that promotes capability and self‑sufficiency.
All of our activities enhance both physical and mental coordination, ensuring wellbeing and lifelong healthy habits. We proudly promote access to time in nature, offering a space where people can decompress, feel grounded, and reconnect with the outdoors. Through our community‑driven ethos, working with our local groups such as schools and the Sea Cadets, we foster positive relationships, supporting members as they progress—from beginners all the way through to those pursuing competition at higher or even Olympic‑pathway levels. The club in 2026 has been awarded two RYA (Royal Yachting Association) for Inspirational Instructor and Affiliate Awards for the Young Person’s categories. Demonstrating our commitment to all-inclusive and quality training and providing opportunities to get on the water for young people.
Our club is completely run by volunteers who devote hours of their personal time; gaining confidence, leadership skills, and personal fulfilment. It strengthens social connections and networking, ensuring members feel part of a supportive, vibrant community. Beyond the water, our social membership, community‑priced food and drink, and regular social events ensure that everyone has space to feel welcome and connected.
Our values emphasise dedication and perseverance, qualities embedded in both our training ethos and our community culture. Members naturally develop strong social skills, benefiting from the collaboration, communication, and teamwork that sailing and volunteering demand. We also help develop strategic thinking, as sailors learn to read conditions, plan ahead, and make well‑reasoned decisions in dynamic environments.
In summary, Chipstead Sailing Club is more than a sports group—we are a community that empowers people, nurtures wellbeing, and builds lifelong skills and relationships for an incredibly broad range of people. Our commitment to inclusivity, personal growth, and community service makes us a standout candidate for the Community Sports Group of the Year Award. We are proud of the meaningful, transformative impact we have on our members and the wider community.
