A sailing instructor’s inspirational teaching at Brightlingsea’s Colne Yacht Club (CYC) has won her a top national award.

Jane Long was one of seven instructors from clubs around the UK to have been given an Inspirational Instructor award by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA). The organisation says the awards celebrate “individuals whose enthusiasm and time have made a significant difference to an organisation by offering their skills and qualifications in a volunteer role”.

She said: “I was surprised and honoured, but I have an amazing team of volunteer instructors who are equally inspirational, and together we have introduced scores of people to our fantastic sport of sailing over the past few years.”

When she was commodore at CYC, the club gaines a Sport England grant and used it to buy two Sonata keelboats. and. with the support of the RYA, set up a sail training centre. Alongside the formal training the club now has over 55 members of a Women on the Water group, and a Blokes on Boats group too. These provide opportunities to practice skills and form friendships.