Peter May, director of Bisham Abbey Sailing and Navigation School (BASNS) in the northern part of Wokingham borough, has been awarded the prestigious River Thames Society Shield in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the life and wellbeing of the non‑tidal Thames.
The shield, presented annually to a non‑member of the society, was awarded this year by River Thames society vice president, Lady Victoria Borwick, at the society’s AGM on April 25.
Peter has led BASNS for around 15 years, taking over from his father, Roy May, and continuing a family tradition of more than three decades of Royal Yachting Association(RYA) training on the Thames.
Under his direction, the school has become the longest‑standing commercial RYA training
centre on the non‑tidal Thames, serving both commercial and private boaters with small‑group, face‑to‑face tuition from its riverside classroom and a fleet of motorboats and sailing dinghies.
A qualified Boat Safety Scheme examiner, Peter also carries out numerous boat safetyinspections in the Middle Thames area, particularly around Henley and Marlow, helping to maintain high safety standards on the river.
Beyond his commercial work, he has given exceptional voluntary support to Accessible Boating Thames (ABT), a charity providing powerboating and sailing opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.
Since the charity was formed in 2018, Peter and BASNS have provided moorings, storage, use of classrooms, slipway, workshops, boats and staff expertise completely free of charge,
enabling ABT to operate a fleet that includes a side‑by‑side sailing dinghy, a Wheelyboat, bell boats, a safety boat and an electric RIB.
In 2022 Peter personally purchased a 12‑metre stretch tent for use by ABT’s visiting school and adult groups, giving shelter and a social space on the riverbank during sessions.
Thanks to this generosity, around 450 disabled and disadvantaged people and families enjoy time on and beside the river each year, experiencing boating in a safe, supportive environment.
The River Thames Society Shield recognises Peter May’s sustained commitment to training, safety and inclusive access to the river over many years.
