Bridgnorth sailor honoured by HRH the Princess Royal
A Bridgnorth sailor was presented with one of the Royal Yachting Association’s most prestigious awards by HRH the Princess Royal, President of the RYA, at the organisation’s annual awards ceremony at London’s One Great George Street last week.
Chelmarsh Sailing Club stalwart, Vaughan Jones, was awarded with a Lifetime Commitment Award, after being nominated for the award by his sailing club and selected as a winner by the Awards panel. A total of 56 voluntary awards were presented to winners hailing from across the UK from as far afield as Cornwall to Argyll.
A member of Chelmarsh SC for over 30 years, Vaughan has held responsible positions on the club’s committee for most of that time. He is committed not only to the club’s management but also the sailing, whether on the water himself or helping others gain confidence. Always positive, he has the club’s future forefront of his thoughts; ensuring new young members receive a warm welcome and encouraging longer standing members to keep sailing.
As a child, Vaughan was inspired by books such as Arthur Ransome's Swallows and Amazons and C.S. Forester’s Hornblower series before putting theory in practice on a sailing holiday in the Norfolk Broads in 1957, and then an outward bound course at Aberdovey a year later.
He said: “Half a century on I’m still learning. The skills and knowledge gained in sailing many types of boat has allowed me to meet and compete with and against some of the nicest people you could find. But my biggest pleasure has come from helping others to enjoy sailing as I have and continue to do. Playing a small part in helping my club and the sport grow and hopefully prosper into the 21st century is a real privilege.
“At individual level sailing emphasises the virtues of resourcefulness and self reliance. Also experiencing the challenges of sailing leads to the tremendous fellowship I’ve been lucky enough to experience over the years. It’s an honour to win this award and it gives me great pleasure to know my club and the RYA consider my humble efforts worthy of recognition.”
Peter Wilson, Chelmarsh SC commodore, added: “Vaughan’s consistent and enduring contribution to the club over a considerable number of years has been inspirational to others who have followed him in volunteering for club service. All of us at Chelmarsh Sailing Club are pleased to offer our congratulations on an award that is so richly deserved.”
Vaughan, along with the other RYA Award winners, enjoyed a celebratory lunch in the presence of HRH the Princess Royal and was presented with a commemorative medallion and certificate.
Sarah Treseder, RYA Chief Executive said “The RYA is delighted to make this award in recognition of Vaughan’s enthusiasm, promotion of our sport and many years’ contribution to the West Midlands’ boating scene. The 56 RYA winners are an inspiration to us all and it is my pleasure to recognise and celebrate their hard work and dedication.”
