RYA Awards - Unsung Hero - Pamela & Sean Brooks
Published 09:27 on 18 Dec 2025
Message below from the Commodore - Kathryn Hall
I am delighted to announce that Sean and Pamela Brooks have been awarded a National RYA Individual Award in the Unsung Hero Category.
They have been invited to the RYA Dingy and Watersports Show at Farnborough International Exhibition Centre on Saturday 21st February 2026 to receive their award.
We are looking forward to the photos.
Please see the Nomination information below which highlights the many ways they have contributed to sailing at UYC. On behalf of UYC and the Board, I want to congratulate them both and thank them for all their hard work and volunteering at the club over many years.
Well done Sean and Pam!
Best wishes and thanks
Kathryn
UNSUNG HERO NOMINATION
Sean & Pamela Brooks
Ullswater Yacht Club is proud to have nominated Sean and Pamela Brooks for the RYA Unsung Hero Award 2025.
For many years, Sean and Pamela have worked quietly and consistently behind the scenes, providing invaluable support to club racing and open meetings. From event administration and race management to IT systems and results processing, their contribution underpins the smooth running of so much that happens at UYC. Beyond this, they are always willing to lend a hand wherever needed in the galley, behind the bar, or supporting fellow members never seeking recognition and often going unnoticed. That is simply who they are.
Sean and Pamela joined the club in 1998, keen to introduce their two sons to watersports. Both boys are now enthusiastic sailors, and from the very beginning the whole family became deeply involved in club life. Sean has served on the Sailing Committee for 19 years in various roles, while Pam has supported the club as New Members Rep, Ladies Rep, and more recently through Sailing Committee administration. Pam was also a founding member of Ladies Who Launch, a group that continues to help female sailors build confidence on the water.
One of their most significant contributions has been the development and management of the IT systems that support our racing programme. This essential "back office" work managing handicaps, producing accurate and timely results, responding to competitors' queries, and preparing prize lists is rarely visible, yet vital to the success of both club racing and major open events.
For many years, Sean and Pamela played a crucial behind-the-scenes role at our flagship event, the Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy, calmly managing the office while others focused on the water. In more recent years, they have taken on leadership roles, with Sean acting as Principal Race Officer and Pam supporting the race management team. Their steady, professional approach has helped the event continue to thrive, safely managing start lines of over 200 boats.
Already in 2025 (up to mid-August), they have led or supported several major events, including the Daffodil Regatta, the Lord Birkett Trophy, and the Snipe National Championships, while also contributing to planning for the 2026 season. Both remain active sailors themselves Sean sailing his Lightning 368 and crewing a VX, and Pam crewing for fellow members, including her father giving them a valuable understanding of competitors' perspectives.
Across decades of service, Sean and Pamela Brooks have combined quiet dedication with calm, effective leadership. They truly reflect the spirit of RYA volunteering: selfless, inclusive, and essential to the strength and success of our sport.
Last updated 09:28 on 18 December 2025