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.
Club commodore Lindsay Tosh said: “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.”
It was a double success for Solway YC as moments earlier, their 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 his speech, Jock reminded everyone of the importance of never forgetting your roots and talked of his early sailing days in Kippford.
