2016 Annual Dinner Dance and prize Giving

Commodore and guestsAdrian Patterson receives his awardWorld champion WSC member Megan Pascoe

Weymouth Sailing Club members squeezed into the Crown Hotel, Weymouth to celebrate its 103rd prize giving.

The Mayor, Christine James, was welcomed by Commodore Euan McNair who was joined on the top table by the Weymouth lifeboat coxswain Mr Andrew Sargent and his wife Helen along with Vice-Commodore of Castle Cove SC, Mr John Kirby and his wife Elizabeth.

After a hearty meal and speeches, trophies were awarded for the winners of the season's sailing races, plus those that had ventured beyond the serene waters of Weymouth Bay.

Club Commodore Euan MacNair collected a newly commissioned shield which was paid for by the former staff of Portland Coastguard. The shield recognises acts that help improve safety at sea.

Former Commodore Kathy Claydon was highlighted for winning the national JOG class 3 championships as well as her exploits in the Fastnet race. Ray and Lynn Capp alongside Di and Michael Gill received trophies for their long distance sailing adventures.

Highlights of the evening included the presentation, with a standing ovation, to popular local helm, club member and team GB Paralympic squad member, world champion 2.4M sailor, Megan Pascoe.

Megan won the world championships in Tasmania sailing under the WSC burgee.

Meg was recognised for her efforts and presented with a club burgee and an embroidered sailing jacket.

Long serving club member Adrian Pattison was entered by the club for the National Maritime Heroes award sponsored by Old Pulteney Whisky.

Proceeding through the qualifying rounds, Adrian made it to the finals and was named as the UK's national maritime hero for 2015.

Adrian has a debilitating bone disease which has seriously negated his ability to compete on the water, but he still manages to be an active part of race management both at club and national level, he encourages youth sailing and gives his time and knowledge freely to up and coming club sailors.

Adrian received an engraved whisky decanter and glasses plus presentation box.

Winner of the Vincent shield was Steve Dadd, to whom Commodore Euan McNair said he 'had no hesitation' in presenting this award.

The formalities were rounded off with a prize raffle donated by Bussells Chandlery, the prize, a Gill crew jacket, being won by former Commodore Kathy Claydon.

The evening finished with dancing to local band, Shooter.

Submitted on 2nd February 2016