Pete Branson was presented with an RYA award for his work in the Community on 19th November 2009 by the Princess Royal, Anne.

The following article is reproduced from the Autumn South West RYA Newsletter.

Peter Branson’s RYA Lifetime Commitment Award was for his work as Chairman of Somerset Youth and Community Sailing Association (SYCSA). His citation said: "Peter puts an enormous amount of time and effort into the Association. He not only teaches sailing to youngsters and adults of all abilities each Saturday but he quietly gets on with doing any necessary repairs to the boats, organises the store rooms and liaises with schools and colleges to enable groups of children to learn to sail. Peter puts so much into helping others to enjoy the sport and has had very little time to go sailing for his own pleasure. He has empowered so many youngsters over the years; he really is one of life’s unsung heroes."

In Peter’s time with the Association, the fleet size has grown from nine to 30 boats, and where 10 or 12 children went sailing on a Saturday before, now 40 sail regularly. He has built up a great team and achieved charitable status for SYCSA. One the Association’s youngsters became instructor of the year with the RYA, and still works with SYSCA, and many continue work within sailing and watersports as a result of Peter’s efforts, energy and dedication.
Peter said: "It’s a great honour and something I didn’t expect. I’ve been involved in sailing for about 30 years, and running the Association for the past 12 - it’s great a team and together we’ve done great things for the young people and the local community in the region. We’re a proud lot!"