Dedicated David's royal date

David pictured with Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal

David McKee was among the 57 people recognised at the Royal Yachting Association Volunteer Awards.

He received the Lifetime Commitment Award for his work with Dovestone Sailing Club.

The Awards were presented by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, President of the RYA, in recognition of boating’s most dedicated volunteers.

As well as being nominated by his own club, part of the gratitude for his efforts came from the Lancashire Schools Sailing Association.

David has recently retired as a Senior Partner in a surveying company and he has assisted the LSSA, Dovestone SC and many clubs up and down the country with countless hours spent in negotiations over leases and rentals.

He has worked closely with the RYA Legal Department.

At Dovestone he has held many posts including Trustee, Commodore and Captain of the club's Flying Fifteen Fleet.

He is an RYA Instructor and is an Official Measurer for the Flying Fifteen class.

He was on one the RYA's Technical Committees and representative to a committee on sailing's top level governing body the ISSA, which is now known as World Sailing.

The citation said David was 'an enthusiastic advocate for the sport who takes pleasure from encouraging people to get on the water and enjoy their sailing, whether it be just pottering around or taking part in competitive racing'.

RYA Director of Sport Development, Alistair Dickson said: “The RYA Volunteer Awards, sometimes known as the MBE’s of our sport, recognise the outstanding contributions made by volunteers nationwide.

“Today has been a fantastic opportunity to say thank you to the people that go above and beyond, giving that little bit extra to ensure others can enjoy the sport we all love.

"Volunteers really are the lifeblood of boating and it’s an honour to reward their efforts and give something back.”

For more information about how to get out on the water in the North West region visit: www.rya.org.uk/go/startboating

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