Three Anglesey sailors have been presented with some 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.
Peter Price of the Ffordd Brynsiencyn club in Llanfairwllgwyngyll was one of two people in Britain to receive the RYA National Award, while Beaumaris pair Ruth Roberts and Ifor Williams received the lifetime commitment and outstanding contribution award respectively.
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.
Price was nominated by Bruce Herbert, chairman of the RYA’s team racing working group for his work since joining the RYA judging and Umpiring Group in 1997, becoming the first team racing umpire on that Group.
He wrote the initial team racing National Umpire exam, which is still the basis of the current exam, and also prepared protocols for team race umpire training and assessment. He served on the RYA Judging and Umpiring Group for five years.
His commitment has underpinned the development of team race umpiring in the UK to be undoubtedly the best in the world.
“Peter has always supported each and every initiative to develop the sport of the team and race sailing at all levels. He is an inspiration to those around him and is without doubt one of the most respected persons in the game,” said Peter Johnson, Chairman, RYA Judging and Umpiring group.
Roberts has been the honorary membership secretary of the Royal Anglesey Yacht Club for over 25 years, a job that she has conducted in an efficient and successful manner.
Her knowledge of the membership has enabled the club to retain many members especially when times are difficult, as they are now.
“Without Ruth’s help, the club would not have retained its strength and success. Very few people have such a sense of commitment,” said Mike Butterfield, the commodore of Royal Anglesey.
Fellow club member Williams has become the backbone of the race management at the club and his contribution has been enormous.
“He brings the club together when he is there and without him the club would miss him and his involvement greatly,” said Butterfield.
“Ifor is one of those people who can always be relied on to step in at the last minute as Race Officer when let down by others. Even if his services are not required on the day you will often find him in the background ready to give advice to others.”
Rod Carr, RYA Chief Executive, said, “The RYA is delighted to make these awards in recognition of Peter, Ruth and Ifor’s enthusiasm and promotion of our sport and many years contributing to the North Wales sailing scene.
“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.”
The Anglesey trio 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.
Images:
Ruth Roberts and Ifor Williams receive their awards from HRH the Princess Royal
For further media information:
Hamish Stuart,
RYA Wales regional communicator
Tel: 07914 873451
Email: Hamish@score-media.co.uk