Suffolk sailing instructor John Hallas, a volunteer with Young People Afloat at Lackford Lake, receives long service award
A volunteer sailing instructor who has inspired others to ‘embrace the joy of sailing’ has been recognised with a long service award.
John Hallas, from Barrow, near Bury St Edmunds, has been a volunteer with Young People Afloat (YPA), based at Lackford Lake, for more than 40 years.
Hundreds of young people have had sailing opportunities with the Young People Afloat charity since 1981, thanks to its volunteers.
John’s commitment has been recognised with a long service award by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) at the recent RYA Dinghy Show 2025 at Farnborough.
He has been involved with Young People Afloat as a senior instructor, treasurer and membership secretary since the early 1980s.
The long service award is presented to ‘an outstanding individual for their exceptional commitment and services to boating at a club for over 20 years’.
Denise Webb, secretary at YPA, said: “His contribution to the young people of Bury St Edmunds has been phenomenal over the last 40 years and he is now teaching the children of young people he taught all those years ago!
“Young People Afloat have been blessed to have benefited from such a wealth of experience for so many years and this award is fitting recognition.”
His certificate says: "Your exceptional commitment, passion and selfless contributions have greatly shaped the community, inspiring others to embrace the joy of sailing. Thank you for your dedication.”
Denise said YPA felt ‘very fortunate’ to have benefited from these qualities.
John started sailing with Aldeburgh Sea Scouts on the River Alde, sailing a Lapwing.
He then bought an old GP14 and a Wayfarer which he sailed with his wife. He also raced yachts offshore for about 14 years.
John said: “It was an honour to be put forward and awarded for my long service with Young People Afloat.
“I am only a small part of the dedicated team of volunteers who give up their free time and have made Young People Afloat such an enjoyable place to teach hundreds of youngsters how to sail over the years.”
He said they were always looking for new members, so if you are aged between nine and 18 and you fancy joining them on a Wednesday evening, please take a look at the website www.ypasailing.org.uk
