Hampshire sailors recognised for outstanding contribution to their sport

They are among 44 ‘unsung heroes’ from across the country celebrated in the Royal Yachting Association Volunteer Awards 2020, which are held annually to say ‘thank you’ to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the sport.

Dave Vines has volunteered across all sailing activities at Hill Head SC in Fareham for over 20 years.

He has acted as his club’s Maintenance Manager and social events organiser, and has been recognised with a RYA Lifetime Commitment Award.

A dinghy instructor, race coach and safety boat driver, Vines helped establish the club’s squad system and regularly runs RYA Start Racing courses.

‘To think that members of my club valued my voluntary contributions highly enough to nominate me was extremely gratifying,’ he remarked.

‘The club is run entirely by volunteer members which helps keep the costs down, allowing the less affluent to participate in sailing.

‘I have found immense pleasure helping others learn to sail. Seeing the broad grin on faces as they come off the water after a training session is hugely rewarding.

He added: ‘Volunteering has been so rewarding for me and I would encourage club members to become more involved.

‘It is a great way to meet other members, learn how the club works and help influence decisions.

‘It does not have to be a huge commitment, every little job done helps out.

‘In a club like ours volunteering is the very lifeblood which allows its long-term viability.’

John Horwell, a volunteer at Warsash SC, also sits on the RYA Race Management Committee and has been recognised with a RYA National Award.

He has helped run sailing events since the 1970s, and was in the working group responsible for the RYA Mark Laying scheme widely recognised as a crucial part of the 2012 Olympic Games.

John has been Safety Officer at numerous events including RYA Youth Nationals, Eric Twiname Championships and the Sailing World Cup.

He is a significant contributor to events at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, and has become a recognised expert in on-water event management and is a go-to man in the management of competitive sailing.

‘More recently I have moved sailing club and joined Warsash where I have already helped at a number of their events and I volunteer on the bar,’ said John.

‘I have thoroughly enjoyed being at events, it allows me to put something back into the sport and I enjoy helping and guiding new volunteers.

‘I have sailed dinghies and keelboats but find far more reward in helping at an event management level.’

Robert Macdonald, from Mengeham Rythe SC on Hayling Island, has been recognised with a Lifetime Commitment Award.

Over four decades, he has made a major contribution to Chichester Harbour in many roles, including Commodore at MRSC, chairman of the Chichester Harbour Federation and chairman of the Chichester Harbour Advisory Committee.

A MRSC spokesman said: ‘Without Robert’s willingness to give his time to these various roles, the harbour and the local sailing fraternity would not be in the healthy position they are today.

“He has been crucial to the success of the Chichester Harbour Conservancy in the management of both the harbour and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.’

Whilst also running Federation Week - now Chichester Harbour Race Week - for many years, Robert was awarded the Freedom of Chichester Harbour in 2019 in recognition of his outstanding contribution.

Two Isle of Wight-based sailors have also been honoured.

Michael Smith, from Sea View YC, has won an RYA Outstanding Contribution Award while Polly Schafer, of Brading Haven YC, has been recognised with an Outstanding Contribution Award.