TWO Weymouth men have been awarded prestigious national accolades from HRH the Princess Royal.

Ken Porter, from Weymouth, received an Outstanding Contribution award by the Princess at the annual Royal Yachting Association (RYA) awards held in London.

Mr Porter has been volunteering at Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA), as well as Chesil Sailability, since 2013.

Dorset Echo: The award ceremony took place at One Great George Street on Friday, November 19, which saw John Scott, also from Weymouth, presented with a National Award.

A spokeswoman from the WPNSA said: "Ken is known to thousands of competitors in his role as lead operator of the Bridge - the radio room that provides the vital link between what is happening on the water and ashore.

"At the heart of the Bridge team, the Weymouth man is described as a reassuring presence with the ability to keep ahead of incidents, making sure that the entire race management team is able to maintain awareness of developing situations."

John Scott, also from Weymouth, was presented with a National Award.

Mr Scott, who volunteers as a director of the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, served with distinction for six years on the RYA Board - retiring at the November 2020 AGM.

The spokeswoman added: "John is experienced in amateur and professional sailing levels.

"He shows kindness, wisdom and willingness to help other team members through his mentorship.

"He makes time for people, pushing his arguments with passion, but always cordially and with respect."

Richard Langford, from Poole, received Honorary Life Membership of the RYA, but was unable to attend.

Mr Langford joined the RYA Council as chairman of the Windsurfing Committee in 1995.

He elected as honorary treasurer in 1999 and became deputy chairman of council in 2004 and served as chairman from 2007 to 2011.

He was then appointed as Chairman of the Trustees of the RYA Foundation, from which position he will retire at the end of this year. In 2012 he accepted the challenge of building a new RYA Foundation to offer boating to those with disadvantages and disabilities.

He restored the finances of RYA Sailability, recruited younger trustees and built a strategic plan, leaving behind him a revitalised organisation.

The awards were given to the three Dorset men in recognition of their exceptional generosity and commitment to the sport at grassroots level.

Rob Clark, RYA director of sport development, said: "More than ever volunteers are the backbone of our clubs and the wider boating community, and every single award winner has made an impact by sacrificing their time and expertise so others can enjoy being on the water."

The RYA is boating’s national governing body and the Volunteer Awards recognise the outstanding contribution made by volunteers throughout the UK.

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