#cluboftheyear – The Royal St. George Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire was saluted last night with the Mitsubishi Motors Sailing Club of the Year award for its staging of last year's ISAF Youth Worlds, just one event in a packed 2012 season for the Dun Laoghaire waterfront club.
The presentation of the famous Ship's Wheel Trophy was made by Frank Keane, Chairman of Mitsubishi Motors Ireland to Royal St. George commodore, Liam O'Rourke in the Club.
Speaking at the Royal St. George, Frank Keane said, "Mitsubishi vehicles are often found in sailing surrounds, pulling boats of all shapes and sizes around the Country. So we have a great affinity with the sport and are delighted to be able to support it through our sponsorship of this award."
Last year's ISAF championship on Dublin Bay was described at the closing ceremony by ISAF's Fiona Kidd as truly the best ISAF Youth World Sailing Championship that she had ever attended".
Upon receiving the Ship's Wheel, Commodore O'Rourke said, "I am honoured to accept this distinguished award on behalf of the Club surrounded by members and friends of the Royal St. George."
To mark the achievement members and guests of the club gathered to celebrate the award which recognised an outstanding 12 months of success including the co-hosting of the ISAF Youths; an event that welcomed 350 sailors aged 14-19 years old from 63 nations, plus their coaches and team leaders to Dun Laoghaire for a week of world class competition and festivities.
The Royal St. George Yacht Club, which is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, last won this award in 2010. This award was devised in 1979 to encourage and recognise the efforts of sailing clubs and associations nationwide.