Kershaw’s RYA Award for services to sailing 

Ken Kershaw has been nominated for a National RYA Award by the RYA and World Sailing and has been selected as a winner by the RYA Honours and Awards Panel.

He will receive his award at the organisation’s annual awards ceremony in London on 24 November.

Ken Kershaw was an RYA staff member for 35 years before retiring in 2009. He was a GBR (British) representative on several ISAF (now World Sailing) technical committees, and was instrumental in the development of the Equipment Rules of Sailing and the In-House Certification System, both of which are the backbone of class rules and equipment control around the world.

He continues to be actively involved in developing offshore sailing safety and in particular has influenced the advance of International (ISO) Standards relating to all areas of yacht and sailor safety.

Since his retirement from the RYA, Ken has continued to represent the Association at World Sailing on the Special Regulations Sub-Committee, Empirical Handicap Committee and Oceanic and Offshore Committee and also provides support to the ERS Working Party. He also acted as lead GBR Equipment Inspector at the 2012 Olympics. Ken attended his final conference in Barcelona in 2016, and was subsequently presented with the World Sailing Gold Award for his contributions.

Ken’s lifetime of dedication to sailing professionals and volunteers continues as he supports the RYA on a range of issues including development of Maritime and Coastguard Agency standards and World Sailing initiatives.

Ken said of his win “I am delighted to receive the RYA National Award in recognition of my work in the development of technical and safety standards for our sport and I’d like to extend this recognition to the many other volunteers that have help and supported me in my endeavours.”

As a long time Firefly sailor, I can testify to Ken’s  dedication to all things RYA and all things racing. Enjoy your moments of fame Ken… Marine Industry News

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