Sapcote sailor, Derek Bunting, was presented with one of the RYA's (Royal Yachting Association) most prestigious awards - an RYA Lifetime Commitment Award - by HRH the Princess Royal, President of the RYA, on Thursday (21 November).
Derek, recognised for work with Hollowell Sailing Club and formerly Naseby Sailing Club, was one of 43 award winners, hailing from as far afield as Cornwall to Argyll, honoured at the annual RYA Volunteer Awards ceremony at London's One Great George Street. The Leicestershire man first learnt to sail on a camping holiday on Scotland's North West coast in 1964, and he joined Naseby SC the following year. Having obtained his Yachtmaster Offshore qualification in 1975 he taught the Yachtmaster syllabus for some 20 years and was also as an Offshore Cruising Instructor for 30 years.
Although Derek rarely sails now he continues to provide much valued advice and guidance with respect to club management, previously acquired as Naseby SC club commodore. His expert knowledge and practical construction skills have greatly benefited Hollowell SC and he is a wonderful example of how personal commitment and effort can make a difference and have such a positive impact on people's lives.
Derek admits he was humbled when he discovered he had won the award.
He said: "It is not something you seek or even think about. I have had a long and happy life associated with sailing, and in my eyes, you put back in what you have got out, so that others hopefully can reap the same rewards.
"At Hollowell I am one of the 'Wrinkly' team that tries to keep on top of the maintenance of the club, as well as undertaking various improvement projects. It is very satisfying to see the continued improvement of the club over the years, both on and off the water, and feel that I have played a little part in that.
"I take part as an 'Assistant Dinghy Instructor' in our annual Junior Week. It is so satisfying to see all the youngsters enjoying themselves on and off the water in such a friendly and safe environment. Seeing youngsters that have never been in a boat before suddenly realise they can sail by themselves makes all the efforts worthwhile.
"Sailing has allowed me to have a healthy outdoor activity that, whilst being competitive, is also a good social event at the club. The offshore aspect also allowed me to be undertake passages to different ports in various areas of this country and overseas. These places you visit this way always appear different, when you come in from sea, rather than when they are approached from the land."
Derek was nominated for the award by Hollowell SC and selected as a winner by the Awards panel. He and his fellow RYA Award winners enjoyed a celebratory lunch in the presence of HRH the Princess Royal, and were presented with a commemorative medallion and certificate.
Sarah Treseder, RYA Chief Executive says "The RYA is delighted to make this award in recognition of Derek's enthusiasm, promotion of our sport and many years' contribution to the region's boating scene. The winners are an inspiration to us all and it is my pleasure to recognise and celebrate their hard work and dedication."
For more information about the RYA Volunteer Awards visit www.rya.org.uk or to find out more about boating in Leicestershire visit www.rya.org.uk/regions/eastmidlands
Derek, recognised for work with Hollowell Sailing Club and formerly Naseby Sailing Club, was one of 43 award winners, hailing from as far afield as Cornwall to Argyll, honoured at the annual RYA Volunteer Awards ceremony at London's One Great George Street. The Leicestershire man first learnt to sail on a camping holiday on Scotland's North West coast in 1964, and he joined Naseby SC the following year. Having obtained his Yachtmaster Offshore qualification in 1975 he taught the Yachtmaster syllabus for some 20 years and was also as an Offshore Cruising Instructor for 30 years.
Although Derek rarely sails now he continues to provide much valued advice and guidance with respect to club management, previously acquired as Naseby SC club commodore. His expert knowledge and practical construction skills have greatly benefited Hollowell SC and he is a wonderful example of how personal commitment and effort can make a difference and have such a positive impact on people's lives.
Derek admits he was humbled when he discovered he had won the award.
He said: "It is not something you seek or even think about. I have had a long and happy life associated with sailing, and in my eyes, you put back in what you have got out, so that others hopefully can reap the same rewards.
"At Hollowell I am one of the 'Wrinkly' team that tries to keep on top of the maintenance of the club, as well as undertaking various improvement projects. It is very satisfying to see the continued improvement of the club over the years, both on and off the water, and feel that I have played a little part in that.
"I take part as an 'Assistant Dinghy Instructor' in our annual Junior Week. It is so satisfying to see all the youngsters enjoying themselves on and off the water in such a friendly and safe environment. Seeing youngsters that have never been in a boat before suddenly realise they can sail by themselves makes all the efforts worthwhile.
"Sailing has allowed me to have a healthy outdoor activity that, whilst being competitive, is also a good social event at the club. The offshore aspect also allowed me to be undertake passages to different ports in various areas of this country and overseas. These places you visit this way always appear different, when you come in from sea, rather than when they are approached from the land."
Derek was nominated for the award by Hollowell SC and selected as a winner by the Awards panel. He and his fellow RYA Award winners enjoyed a celebratory lunch in the presence of HRH the Princess Royal, and were presented with a commemorative medallion and certificate.
Sarah Treseder, RYA Chief Executive says "The RYA is delighted to make this award in recognition of Derek's enthusiasm, promotion of our sport and many years' contribution to the region's boating scene. The winners are an inspiration to us all and it is my pleasure to recognise and celebrate their hard work and dedication."
For more information about the RYA Volunteer Awards visit www.rya.org.uk or to find out more about boating in Leicestershire visit www.rya.org.uk/regions/eastmidlands
