A Gwent sailor has been presented with one of the RYA’s (Royal Yachting Association) most prestigious awards by HRH the Princess Royal, President of the RYA, at the organisation’s annual awards ceremony held in London.
Llangorse Sailing Club’s vice president Chris Holt received the Lifetime Commitment award for his work trying to improve the facilities and the running of the club.
“Whether a committee man, a flag officer, an organiser, or supervisor, or simply as a man who digs the trenches and pushes the wheel-barrow, Chris Holt has done it all with energy and enthusiasm,” said fellow club vice president Ian Howie.
“Besides the enormous amount of physical work and effort Chris has put into the club to improve the infra-structure, he encourages new members and is always willing to help in any way he can.
“He is a good ambassador for the club and for sailing. Considering all his attributes and the input he has made in enhancing the club, it is impossible to quantify the impact his contributions have made or what he has achieved for the good of the club and the members.
“On days when the OD or Safety Boat Drivers have failed to turn up, he has given up his sailing to take over those responsibilities to ensure that racing can take place.
“Chris is always at the forefront of all volunteer work, showing an unusual combination of organiser, manager and hands on labourer. Chris never seems to give up, no matter what the difficulty; showing great determination to get the work done.”
A total of 49 voluntary awards were presented to winners from across the UK from as far afield as the Isle of Wight to County Antrim.
Rod Carr, RYA Chief Executive, said, “The RYA is delighted to make these awards in recognition of Chris’s enthusiasm and promotion of our sport and many years contributing to the British sailing scene.
“Every one of the Award winners has exceeded the reasonable expectations of their fellow volunteers, club members and the boating community in general and the amount of work they put in is outstanding.
“These people are an inspiration to us all and it is my pleasure to recognise and celebrate their sheer hard work and commitment through these awards.
“The work and voluntary time that all 49 RYA winners put into our sport is simply outstanding and it is my pleasure to recognise and celebrate this through these awards.”
Holt and the other RYA Award winners enjoyed a celebratory lunch in the presence of HRH the Princess Royal, and were presented with a commemorative medallion and certificate.
For further media information:
Hamish Stuart,
RYA Wales regional communicator
Tel: 07914 873451
Email: Hamish@score-media.co.uk