Tribute to 1980 Moscow Olympic sailors

RYA hold Heritage Reception in Weymouth

There were Olympic and Paralympic sailing medallists and participants as far as the eyes could see yesterday, when the RYA held a special Heritage Reception, at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, home of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic sailing events.

Hosted by RYA Chairman Stacey Clark and CEO Sarah Treseder, the reception was an opportunity for the RYA to honour the winners of the 1980 Weymouth Olympic week who were affected by the boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games. Nine members of the team were present as guests of honour, with recognition for their efforts and contribution to the sport acknowledged by all in attendance.

It was also an opportunity for the RYA to bring together sailors, some of whom had competed in the Melbourne Olympics some 56 years ago, to come together to reminisce with old friends and meet other fellow Olympians. Attendees also enjoyed a captivating, interesting and humorous romp through the history of the 1948 London Olympics and Olympic sailing events from sailing historian David Henshall.

Guests were then invited to stay for the arrival of the Olympic Torch Relay that would see Skandia Team GBR Performance Squad sailor Katrina Hughes run into the Olympic and Paralympic venue before handing it over to double Olympic gold medallist Rodney Pattisson who sailed the torch out of the marina before it headed out across the bay to Weymouth.