Solway Yacht Club scoops “Club of the Year” Award

At the RYA Scotland’s glittering Awards Presentation event on Saturday evening 19th January, sponsored by Ocean Sailing Scotland, the Solway Yacht Club (on the Scottish Riviera) won the prized “Club of the Year” Award 2018. Well known in National 12 circles and home to the National 12 Scottish Champs in recent years, longstanding (old!) N12 sailor Ian Purkis, was the 2018 Club Commodore and with his wife Margaret, were part of the team representing the Club. 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, his first boat an old National 12, a Holt 500, N627 “Pixie”, rescued and renovated by his father. Not only did Jock win the award, he also did a barnstorming address to the haggis while wielding a claymore at the Burns night themed event!