The Haven Knox-Johnston
Volunteer of the Year Award

In association with the Royal Naval Sailing Association

Our History in 2015

Introducing the Haven Knox-Johnston
Volunteer of the Year Award 2025

Founded in 1935, the Royal Naval Sailing Association (RNSA) has a wide membership including serving personnel and veterans. It’s purpose is to encourage sailing and in so doing improve the military efficiency of the Royal Navy. Over the years 1000’s of members have generously volunteered their time to support this work and we are delighted to partner with the RNSA to recognise these efforts.

This year marks RNSA’s 90th anniversary and alongside a wide range of celebrations, this year more than ever, we are keen to recognise the importance of the role the volunteers and supporters of RNSA play.  One great way to do this is to nominate someone you have seen ‘step up’ and ensure their contribution is recognised properly.

We are really keen to find a worthy recipient and need your help. Whether you’re a member of the RNSA or not, you may know someone that merits such award and we want to hear from you. Simply nominate a RNSA volunteer who you feel has gone above and beyond their remit. Whether it’s the amount of time that individual has volunteered for or something exceptional that stands out.

To nominate a volunteer, just navigate your way to the bottom of this page and complete the short form.  It will only take a couple of minutes and the winner will receive a the latest GoPro camera.  The date and venue for the presentation of the Award will be chosen to suit the recipient.  The closing date is 1st September 2025.

(As usual Terms and Conditions apply – see below)

Logo showing

Terms and Conditions

  • Nominations are open to members of the Royal Naval Sailing Association only.
  • Each entry to be submitted via the form below.
  • Closing date for entries 1st September 2025.
  • You can nominate an individual for their exceptional work carried out between 1st October 2024 and the closing date.
  • A panel of judges will decide on the winner and their decision will be final.
  • The winner will be contacted by 8th September and will be invited to an event at the end of September and presented with their prize.
  • We reserve the right to withdraw this offer at any time.
  • There is no cash alternative.

Winner of the Haven Knox-Johnston
Volunteer of the Year Award 2024

Last year, we announced that Laura Blagdan had been voted as the winner of the Haven Knox-Johnston Volunteer of the Year Award 2024.

Laura is an outstanding volunteer who drives success of RNSA’s offshore racing team through her extensive skills, determination and people skills.  A great and successful sailor in her own right, she overwhelmingly has the respect and admiration of everyone she meets in RNSA – commendably selfless, humble, and impressively committed to the Association, she is an exemplar volunteer whose outstanding contribution to Royal Navy Sport is very worthy of recognition.  She is without doubt the ‘people’s choice’.

Read more about Laura and why she was nominated here.

Two people standing indoors, one holding a framed certificate labeled

From the Helm

News, true stories and expert insights from the HK-J crew