Keira, 15, honoured with RYA Cymru Wales Impact Award

A TEENAGE sailing instructor from Pembrokeshire has been recognised for her dedication to the sport with a prestigious Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Cymru Wales Impact Award.

Keira Edwards, 15, volunteers as an assistant instructor at Neyland Yacht Club, where she supports junior sailors and helps introduce others to the sport.

The RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards celebrate individuals who go above and beyond to help more people enjoy time on the water. Keira’s commitment and passion for sailing have made her a standout recipient.

Keira began sailing at the age of eight after taking part in a taster session. Since then, she has earned multiple qualifications, including RYA Levels 1 to 4 through the Pembrokeshire Powerboating and Sailing Academy, as well as certificates in Powerboating, First Aid, and Assistant Instruction.

Despite living with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Keira sails all year round. She recently competed in Neyland Yacht Club’s Frostbite Series in the double-handed 29er class and went on to win Pembrokeshire Yacht Club’s 2024 series in the single-handed ILCA 6 class — the youngest sailor in her fleet.

Keira said: “I really enjoy teaching sailing because it’s fun and rewarding to see the children at the club learning new skills. I want to help more people get on the water because I enjoy sailing and I want others to enjoy it too.”

Commodore Lloyd Hamilton MBE said: “Keira has been actively volunteering at Neyland Yacht Club and has taken on the role of assistant instructor. She teaches both children and adults, sharing the skills she has learned over the years.

“Keira is a highly talented and dedicated young individual, always the first to offer her help to anyone in the club. Volunteers like her are crucial in helping more people experience the joy of sailing.”

Club development officer Hester Walker, who first introduced Keira to sailing, added: “We are so proud of Keira. She joined us aged eight with no experience, taking part in a taster session through our All Afloat programme, which gives young people in Wales the chance to try boating.

“Since then, she has gone from strength to strength. She’s passionate about the sport and is a relatable role model who inspires the next generation.”

Keira is a pupil at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi in St David’s — the former school of her own role model, Welsh sailor and Paris 2024 Olympian Mickey Beckett. She hopes to become a fully qualified RYA dinghy instructor when she turns sixteen this summer.

Dedicated and determined: Keira was presented with the RYA Cymru Wales Impact Award for her voluntary work at Neyland Yacht Club (Pic: Hester Walker)

THE WLSH RUGBY UNION has announced a major shake-up of its structure and strategy as part of a new five-year transformation programme designed to future-proof the sport across Wales.

The changes, revealed on Thursday (Apr 10), include £5 million in annual savings, a streamlined management structure, the restructuring of its community outreach and performance departments, and a new professional funding model known as PRA25.

The WRU says the reforms will help deliver its long-term vision – known as the ‘One Wales’ strategy – and ensure that the game in Wales becomes more financially sustainable, inclusive, and competitive at every level.

A small number of job losses are expected – fewer than 20 roles – but the WRU said it would enter a consultation process and provide full support to those affected.

Chief executive Abi Tierney, who became the Union’s first female CEO in January 2024, said: “2025 will be the moment we remember Welsh rugby completed its transformation into a fully functional, fit-for-purpose, professional organisation.

“Regrettably, there will be job losses, but we are investing in key areas that will enable growth. Everything we are doing is to improve rugby in Wales for everyone.”

Professional game overhaul

A new-look performance department will align the Wales international sides with the four professional clubs and player pathways for both men’s and women’s games.

The WRU said it would continue with its plan to rebuild the professional game despite Cardiff Rugby entering administration earlier this week. Cardiff is seen as vital to the national setup, and new investors are now being sought.

All national team coaches will also be redeployed to assist in the domestic game when not on international duty.

Community game to benefit

The WRU’s current ‘Hub Officer’ scheme, which places rugby officers in schools, is set to be replaced. The existing co-funded model will be discontinued, and replaced by a more extensive structure designed to provide 100% coverage across schools and clubs in Wales.

The Union also plans to roll out a new club funding model that rewards off-field success, such as community engagement and governance, alongside performance.

As a result of the efficiencies identified, increased funding for the community game is planned over the next four years.

New leadership structure

Recent executive changes include the appointment of a Chief People Officer, a new Executive Director of Community, and the pending appointment of both a Chief Growth Officer and Executive Director of Elite Performance.

In the women’s game, Belinda Moore has taken up the post of Head of Women’s Rugby, while high-profile coach Sean Lynn returns to Wales after winning three Premiership Women’s Rugby titles in England.

Looking ahead

The WRU’s ‘One Wales’ strategy is built on four main pillars: developing inspiring clubs and national teams, fostering a sustainable community game, accelerating the women’s and girls’ game, and growing Welsh rugby’s audience.

By 2029, the WRU aims to have both national teams ranked in the world’s top five, regional clubs reaching knock-out stages, and a fully funded, modern rugby ecosystem at all levels.

The Union is also launching a ‘big conversation’ to give fans and members of the public the chance to help shape its plans.

Pembrokeshire sailor Micky Beckett has once again cemented his place among the sport’s elite, securing his fourth consecutive victory in the ILCA 7 men’s dinghy class at the prestigious Trofeo Princesa Sofia regatta.

Hailing from the coastal village of Solva, Beckett sealed the title with a day to spare — a remarkable feat that underscores his dominance on the international circuit and sends a strong signal ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic campaign.

His win was one of nine medals earned by the British Sailing Team in Mallorca, with Great Britain finishing top of the medal table ahead of Australia and China.

Beckett, who has steadily climbed the ranks in recent years, is now one of the standout figures in British sailing. Known for his consistency and calm approach on the water, the 29-year-old has made the ILCA 7 fleet his own, and his continued success reflects the strength of both his individual talent and the support around him.

“If this week is anything to go by, the future is bright for the British Sailing Team,” said performance director Mark Robinson — a nod to Beckett’s influence and the broader success of the squad.

While Beckett led the charge, fellow Brit Emma Wilson also delivered a standout performance. The two-time Olympic bronze medallist won 14 of 21 races in the iQFOiL foiling windsurfing class, earning her the prestigious Princess Sofia Trophy — the event’s top honour.

“It’s crazy – I wasn’t expecting it at all,” said Wilson, 25. “There are names on this trophy like Ben Ainslie, people I’ve looked up to since I was a kid. To have my name on there now is pretty cool.”

The British team also took home gold in the 49erFX (Saskia Tidey and Freya Black), 470 (Martin Wrigley and Bettine Harris), and Nacra 17 (John Gimson and Anna Burnet). There were silver medals for Lily Young (Formula Kite) and Elliot Hanson (ILCA 7), while Ellie Aldridge (Formula Kite) and Daisy Collingridge (ILCA 6) each claimed bronze.