More awards for Golding

British Open 60 veteran receives more gongs for Alex Thomson rescue

Mike Golding has this week received two awards for his rescue of fellow yachtsman Alex Thomson during last year´s Velux 5 Oceans round the world yacht race.

On Tuesday he was presented with the Emile Robin Award from the Shipwrecked Mariners Society. The award was presented by William Everard CBE, the Society's Vice-President. This Award was presented for 'outstanding professional skill, resourcefulness, determination and stamina [that] ensured the rescue of a fellow yachtsman in challenging conditions,' ie it is given to the master of a British vessel who has incurred the greatest peril in rescuing survivors at sea.

Then on Wednesday Britain's most capped round the world skipper was awarded The Marine Society Thomas Gray Memorial Trust Silver Medal by Rear Admiral Alan Massey CBE, Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff. This was given 'in recognition of the assistance given to Alex Thomson during the Velux 5 Oceans race, sacrificing his own chances of winning the race to help a fellow yachtsman.' and is presented annually, first awarded in 1772 for deeds of professional merit.
 
"I feel very humbled to have received these two very prestigious awards," commented Golding. "I happened to be in the right place at the right time when Alex got into difficulties and, I am sure, that any other sailor would have done the same thing.

"I am very much looking forward to going back out racing in my next event, the Transat Jacques Vabre, and will be racing against Alex again later on in the Open 60 season."