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Commodore's Trophy for 2013

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Published 09:31 on 2 Apr 2013

The Commodore’s Trophy has been awarded since 1985 for a special achievement outside Seaview waters. This year the Commodore wished to acknowledge an achievement that dates back to 1980 but which finally achieved recognition in the 2012 Olympic Year.

Just before the Moscow Olympics, the Soling Class Olympic trial was won by a team of three young men, two of which were members of this club.

Russia then invaded Afghanistan and in protest the US government, followed by the British government, wished to pull out of the games. The RYA promptly announced to the sailing teams, that they were to pull out. That was a terrible thing to do and a very dark moment for them all. Subsequently, the British Olympic Committee decided to go after all and the likes of Sebastian Coe, now Lord Coe, won his first Gold medal.

For the sailors, that was that, for thirty-two years until last summer when all the Sailing Olympians were invited to Portland for the Olympic Torch ceremony and a luncheon. Surprisingly the 1980 crews were also invited, and received for the very first time a profuse apology from the RYA, and what can best be described as an acknowledgement that they too were members of the unique body of Sailing Olympians.

This enabled the Commodore to acknowledge at the AGM, through the award of the Commodore’s Trophy, that the Sea View Yacht Club has two Sailing Olympians. This probably explains why they are still so difficult to beat on the water.

All those present at the AGM, and almost certainly the entire membership, are delighted that the Commodore awarded the Commodore’s Trophy to Colin Simonds and Gavin Simonds.

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