North Sails John Merricks Golf Day

Sailing royalty turn out in Fareham

A gloriously sunny and warm October morning greeted the 80 golfers who turned out for the 15th North Sails Golf Day on Friday at Cams Hall in Fareham. John ‘Jonny’ Merricks worked at North Sails and the first Golf Day, organised as it is today with the help of the Seahorse Golf Society, was set up to raise money for a Trust to be started in John’s name. Since its inception 14 years ago the Golf Day has raised over £142,000.

Key figures in the marine industry enjoyed a round of golf with world-renowned sailors including Ian Williams, Chris Mason, Matt Cornwall, George Skuodas, Eddie Warden Owen and Ossie Stewart. This fantastic event always draws the support of former colleagues and friends of John’s, Olympic medallists, America's Cup sailors, yacht designers and keen amateur sailors who turn out to play while also remembering John and supporting the charity in his name.

Jim Saltonstall, JMST trustee and legendary race coach, gave a speech outlining the achievements of the Trust over the past year and thanking everyone for their continued support of the JMST.

Phil Wilson presented a cheque of £600 to the JMST on behalf of the Seahorse Golf Society, as the society had again generously nominated the JMST as their chosen charity.

Neil Mackley from North Sails said, “Raising money for charity in the current economic climate is not easy, and I would like to thank the all the companies that supported the day and the players whom I hope enjoyed the day as much as I did!”

Winner of the day Rob Larke scored 44 Stableford points and was presented with the North Sails Trophy.

In second place was James Hudson, whilst third place went to Jay Westwood.

Meanwhile Mercedes Jones took the ladies prize and the team of James Hudson, Gavin Lacey, Mike Cole and Nick Irvine walked away with the Team Trophy of four Golf Day branded Jackets donated by Craftinsure.

Rob Larke also won this year’s Bandit Trophy – an annual trophy originally presented by Mark Tomson, the first Bandit winner.

Musto sponsored the Nearest the Pin and Longest Drive competitions which were won by Scaff and Andy Greenwood respectively.

Bob Fisher, leading international sailing journalist, performed a marvellous job as auctioneer, coaxing a grand total of £1,095 for an array of diverse prizes, from bidders in the auction.

Results
Men’s Winner – Rob Larke - North Sails Trophy - £150 pro shop vouchers
2nd –- James Hudson - £100 pro shop vouchers
3rd –- Jay Westwood - £50 pro shop vouchers
Ladies Winner – Mercedes Jones
Bandit Trophy – Rob Larke

Huge thanks go to North Sails for managing the event, Peter Nash of the Seahorse Golf Society and every company and individual who donated prizes and the individual Hole Sponsors: Dimension Polyants; Osmotech; RF Composites; TT Rigging; Toolkit Websites; Soluxion IT; Grapefruit Graphics; Craftinsure.