SCUBAHUB
Heinke 2026 a great challenge for BSAC clubs
PREVIOUS AWARD WINNERS HAVE offered their own personal experiences to inspire other clubs who may be considering entering the Heinke Trophy 2026.
Since 1958, the Heinke Trophy has been a cornerstone of the BSAC community, celebrating the achievements and dedication of its scuba and snorkelling clubs. Each year, the winning BSAC club not only receives the coveted Heinke Trophy but also receives £ 1,000 to spend on their club activities.
From motivating your members and showcasing your achievements to helping with recruitment and fundraising, BSAC’ s premier club award can also have a longlasting impact.
With registration for the Heinke 2026 now open, here’ s how just some of trophy’ s previous winners have benefited:
We have felt a real impact since winning the“ trophy. The cash fund was great and contributed to the purchase of a new club RIB. We’ ve also gained local kudos, with press coverage and local sports club governing body interest. It’ s a great thing to put on our website and has definitely helped with new member recruitment.
”
Aberdeen SAC, 2023 winners
Winning is still our proudest achievement. The“ prestige of the Heinke Trophy isn’ t just for a year; it’ s for the lifetime of your club. It recently helped us obtain one-to-one support to bid for some grant funding, as the first thing we were asked was: Has your club won any awards? Bradford SAC, 2014” winners
Our members’ enthusiasm was given a“ huge boost, resulting in increased motivation to volunteer for projects and participate in the day-to-day running of the club. It was used for promotional purposes to raise awareness and was the main feature in our annual recruitment campaigns. Our entry still generates enthusiasm, more than a decade later! Scarborough SAC”, 2011 winners
How to Take Part – Heinke Trophy 2026
You will need to register your club’ s interest in entering the Heinke Trophy by completing the online registration form by 30 November 2025 at the latest.
Once registered, your club will need to:
■ Access one-to-one mentoring as soon as you apply to help plan your application year journey in 2026
■ Record and document your club’ s activities from 1 Jan – 31 Dec 2026
■ Submit your final report by 31 January 2027
The Heinke Trophy 2026 winner will be announced in Spring 2027.
For more details on the new-look Heinke Trophy and to register for 2026 go to bsac. com / heinke
Scotland showcases snorkel trails
SCOTLAND’ S FIRST EVER SNORKELLING Festival saw the perfect weather conditions for attendees to make the most of what coastal snorkelling had to offer.
A showcase for the re-launch of Scottish Wildlife Trust’ s Snorkel Trails initiative, the two-day event included BSAC instructorled snorkels, snorkel try dives and pool sessions.
Organised by the Berwick Marine Reserve team, the festival focused on the six snorkel trail sites that are within the reserve. There were also topside activities, including talks at the Reserve’ s Marine Education Centre in St Abbs Harbour.
Chair of the Reserve, Sally Walsh, said the festival was a huge success.
“ We were blessed with the most amazing weather conditions as enthusiastic snorkellers took to the Berwickshire snorkel trails, enjoying the crystal-clear waters. It was an absolute pleasure to host so many passionate snorkellers for the relaunch of the Scottish Snorkel Trails with the Scottish Wildlife Trust.”
The festival is set to return in 2026. If you would like to get involved in its planning and organisation, contact Claire Hallybone at dive @ wreckspeditions. com
14