RYA Impact Award for Chris Cox
by Karen Cox 10 Sep 10:29 BST
On Saturday 6th September the Mayor of Ramsgate Cllr. Laurie Hudson, her Consort Martin Hudson and Town Sergeant Paul Revuelta were present at the Royal Temple Yacht Club (RTYC) to present the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Impact Award to Chris Cox for his work coordinating the recent Association of Dunkirk Little Ships 85th Return to Dunkirk.
A second Impact award was also presented on behalf of the Yacht Club to Commodore of the RTYC Karen Cox.
The RYA Impact Awards shine a spotlight on the individuals, clubs, and organisations who go above and beyond to make boating and sailing more successful, sustainable, inclusive, and valued - from grassroots efforts to community-wide initiatives.
Over the years, these awards have highlighted the incredible commitment, skill, and community spirit within the sport, which inspires and motivates others to get involved
The Association of Dunkirk Little Ships are the original boats that took part in Operation Dynamo in May 1940, when against all odds they were able to rescue over 338,000 British and Allied troops trapped on the beaches at Dunkirk. Out of the 850 original boats, approximately 200 were sunk during the evacuation and roughly 120 remain today. The first commemorative return started in 1965.
Chris said, "Back in 2023 the RTYC was asked to be the Support Club for the 85th Return to Dunkirk by the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships and their Commodore, and fellow RTYC club member, Kevin Finn.
The role usually involved coordinating the arrival and mooring of the 85 supporting vessels into Ramsgate's Royal Harbour and moorings in Dunkirk. As we are based in Ramsgate, the RTYC wanted to get the whole town involved.
We reached out to Ramsgate Town Council, and the Town Promoter Rebekah Smith and through them contacted our community partners including Ramsgate Tunnels, the Royal Naval Association, the Ramsgate Society, Harbour Heritage Group and many many more.
It was one of the most significant events that I have ever worked on and many people have commented on the way that the town came together to commemorate this important event in our history. I am delighted and proud to accept this award."
Sadly Commodore of the ADLS Kevin Finn was unable to be present, as he and his wife Jill were on their Dunkirk Little Ship, Brown Owl for the Classic Boat Festival in St Katherine's Dock, London.
He did however say, "I am delighted that Chris Cox and RTYC have been recognised by the RYA for this very fitting award. Chris has been the fulcrum and catalyst that encouraged a real community engagement both prior and during the entire event. The RTYC has been a fantastic venue and has demonstrated its commitment to the community by a total hands on approach from its staff and members.
I am very proud to be a member of RTYC and applaud the continuing work that Chris Cox and the Royal Temple Yacht Club as they are already planning for the same event in 2026."
In 2026 many of the Dunkirk Little Ships will return to Ramsgate, although the boats will not return to Dunkirk until 2030. A full Bank Holiday weekend of events is already being planned for the 22-25th May 2026.