HRH the Princess Royal, President of the RYA, presented the annual RYA Community and RYA Awards at the 2007 RYA AGM, Thursday 22nd November at Church House, London.

A total of 60 awards were presented to winners hailing from across the UK from as far a field as the Isle of Man to Plymouth.  For full details click here

Ron was unable to attend the presentation in London but attended the Clubs AGM where the RYA Certificate and Medal was presented by the Commodore

The RYA Community Awards, seen as the ‘MBEs’ of sailing, exist to recognise the exceptional voluntary contribution given by individuals who make a real impact on our sport. The Lifetime Commitment awards are given to those who have shown exceptional commitment and dedication to sailing over many years and we are very pleased to say that the RYA agreed with us that Ron Scorer was a deserving recipient of an award this year.

Following is an extract from the submission we made to the RYA from which it is quite clear that Ron was fully deserving of the certificate and medallion which we, on behalf of the RYA, awarded him at the recent AGM……

Ron has been an active and enthusiastic club member over the last 38 years, taking many roles over that period. Of particular note is his role as mechanician for the club over the past 32 years, one which few others could fulfil and which has resulted in significant financial savings for the club. In this role he has maintained all of the club rescue boats plus all of the club’s numerous lawnmowers. Ron has fulfilled this role unfailingly over many years and continues even today in his 89th year.

Ron, along with his wife Peggy, has been fully involved in the club’s activities throughout his membership. Ron was actively racing his Solo every Sunday up to the end of the 2005 season, and took part in the occasional race during 2006 the year in which he was 87. He was a skilled sailor, particularly in light wind conditions where his skill and knowledge of river sailing enabled him to continue to win races, with no quarter given, even in his 88th year. While enthusiastically competing in races Ron was unfailingly the gentleman, ever courteous and always a pleasure to race with and against. Although Ron had (very reluctantly) to stop active sailing in 2006 he continues to turn up at the club every Sunday to ensure that the club rescue boats are fully fuelled and operational. He is always keen to pass on helpful advice to younger members (which I don’t think he will mind me saying is nearly everyone!). In my view, Ron is a role model for all club members and an outstanding advert for the sport of sailing and its benefits for people of all ages.

Congratulations Ron!