Solway Yacht Club scoops 'Club of the Year' Award
by Ian Purkis 22 Jan 2019 11:19 GMT
19 January 2019
Solway Yacht Club scoops the 2018 RYA Scotland Club of the Year Award © Marc Turner / RYA Scotland
At RYA Scotland's glittering Awards Presentation event on Saturday evening, Solway Yacht Club from Kippford won the prized 'Club of the Year' Award 2018. The members present were thrilled, delighted and almost in disbelief when the Club was announced as the winner.
James Allan, RYA Scotland CEO paid tribute to the Club saying how they had successfully attracted so many young people to the sport and were developing long term links with local schools and others to inspire future generations.
Held at Inverkip, in announcing the award, James Allan said that this year there had been more nominations for "Club of the Year" than ever before and more nominations in this category than any others. When Solway knew they had been shortlisted back in November, they were extremely pleased but against stiff opposition, knew it would be tough.
"While I was over the moon to accept this trophy as Commodore, it's worth remembering that all the lead up to the award was under the inspiring chairmanship of Ian Purkis who led such a great team at the Club", Lindsay Tosh said afterwards.
It was a double success for Solway YC as moments earlier, the Club's former Cadet Captain, Jock Wishart had been presented with the "Performance of the Year" award in recognition of leading the winning crews in Jock's Celtic Team who not only won yachting's prestigious International Commodore's Cup but went South to the home waters of the English opposition and wiped the floor, with the Netherlands team coming only a distant second.
In accepting the award, Jock reminded everyone of the importance of never forgetting your roots and talked of his early sailing days in Kippford. Several members of his team joined him on the stage, enjoying their moment. Just for good measure, Jock also did a barnstorming address to the haggis while wielding a claymore!