Royal appointment for UTSC member

Published 00:00 on 2 Jan 2019

Hector Morris has been awarded a prestigious Lifetime Commitment Award from the RYA in recognition of his commitment to Upper Thames Sailing Club. He joined UTSC in 1975 as an active sailor in the Wayfarer fleet and served as Treasurer for over 10 years. For 23 years, his services on the Wednesday night race team helped build the popularity of the club's mid-week sailing and he was instrumental in putting a training programme in place for the children of members. He is pictured at an event last year which celebrated his retirement from the Wednesday night team.

When Hector felt his active sailing days were over, he sold his beloved wooden Wayfarer and bought three Toppers for the club cadets. Those first club boats began a process that culminated in the annual Junior Bourne End Week which sees 80 youngsters enjoying sailing on the Thames. Hector has always enjoyed seeing sailors develop and evolve and his contribution to them and the well-being of the club has been immense.

Unfortunately Hector is unable to attend the awards ceremony on November 16 to receive the award in person from HRH the Princess Royal, President of the RYA. Hector said: "Sadly due to my age I will not be able to go. I was amazed to receive an award for something that I always enjoyed doing with the opportunity it gave me of meeting so many interesting characters."

Last updated 23:01 on 16 February 2024