Twickenham sailor Alison Benz was recognised by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne at the annual Royal Yachting Association awards ceremony.

The RYA awards, on November 24, were presented to outstanding individuals or groups nominated by their sailing clubs or associations and selected by the RYA Awards Panel.

Alison said: “I had a lovely day and felt very humbled to be in the company of some amazing sailors.

“Princess Anne is very impressive – she remembered her visit to our club in June and asked about our water levels. We had a sumptuous lunch and I felt thoroughly spoilt!”

Before the presentation, the association’s CEO Sarah Treseder presented Her Royal Highness with pair of marine binoculars on behalf of members to mark her 30 years as president of the RYA.

Alison Benz is a member of the Queen Mary Sailing Club, in Ashford, and received an RYA Outstanding Contribution Award for her commitment to boating.