Andrew Pratt of Cramond Boat Club recognised with an RYA Scotland Impact Award
by Philippa Howie 10 Mar 20:57 GMT


Andrew Pratt of Cramond was recognised with an RYA Scotland Impact Award © RYA


Andrew Pratt of Cramond Boat Club, known to most as Drew, has been recognised with an RYA Scotland Impact Award*, celebrating more than forty years of remarkable service, quiet leadership, and unwavering commitment to helping others discover the joy of sailing.


In further recognition, Drew has also been recently recognised by the wider RYA – through presentation of a national Unsung Hero Award, presented at the 2026 RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show [21-22 February 2026], further exemplifying the positive impact made within the community.


Drew Pratt’s lifelong contribution to sailing began in the 1950s during family holidays in Stonehaven, where a hired rowing dinghy first sparked his curiosity for life on the water. By the early 1960s, the Pratt family had restored a traditional Shetland fishing boat – an experience that introduced Drew to boat handling, coastal cruising, and the unique sense of freedom that sailing provides.


Drew joined the RYA in 1967, winning his first racing trophy the following year before taking up an instructing role at Tighnabruaich. This early step into instructing became the foundation of a distinguished, long stretching commitment to supporting others in the sport.


Four decades shaping Cramond Boat Club


After moving to Edinburgh in 1984, Drew was soon invited by the then Commodore of Cramond Boat Club to support the club’s training offering, recognised for his experience as a former Tighnabruaich instructor. What began as a volunteer role quickly grew into a defining chapter of his life.


Over the next 40 years, Drew played an instrumental role in developing Cramond Boat Club into a thriving training hub. Among the highlights of his tenure was helping the club secure RYA Recognised Training Centre status in 1999 – an achievement he remains particularly proud of.


Serving as both Chief Instructor and Principal until his retirement in 2025, Drew’s leadership, dedication, and passion for teaching have left an enduring legacy. For Drew, Cramond has been far more than a club – it has been a community, and a central part of his life for four decades.


“Sometimes I seem to talk about nothing but Cramond. There could be weeks where the tides have been right, and I’ve been out every day, every night.”


Explaining how it feels to be recognised for all he’s put into the club, Drew said:


“I’m taken aback actually. It’s my love of sailing that’s kept me going.”


From leading packed courses to upskill and uplevel aspiring assistant instructors, expanding and maintaining a strong clubs training offering, and mentoring countless sailors and instructors, Drew’s impact has been far reaching.


Reflecting on the positive difference Drew has made, current Cramond Boat Club Commodore Lawrie Elliot said:


“Quite basically, there wouldn’t be any training centre here if it wasn’t for Drew. He’s been instrumental in keeping it going. There was a time in the 90’s when our training arm wasn’t as busy as it should have been – and Drew used his personal resource to keep it going. He’s a tremendous stalwart at this club.”


RYA Scotland is delighted to honour Drew’s long-standing contribution with this Impact Award, celebrating everything he has done for sailing in the Forth and beyond.


And with the added distinction of his Unsung Hero Award at the wider RYA Awards, Drew’s recent recognition marks a fitting celebration of someone who has quietly given so much, for so long.


*RYA Scotland Impact Awards are designed to recognise individuals or groups who have made an exceptional, positive contributions to sailing and boating activities across Scotland.