Celebrating the Club’s achievements of 2024
As the days grow longer and our boats get their much-needed TLC, we recently gathered to celebrate the fantastic achievements of our members during the 2024 sailing and rowing season.
Our Commodore, Steven Wotherspoon, reflecting on the success and selfless contributions of our winners, reminded us that whilst the Prize Giving event showcased individual accomplishments and triumphs, there’s much more that goes unrecognized within the stewardship of our committees and the administration they undertake.
We owe them, and many often less prominent volunteers, who are the life blood of our club calendar, a huge debt of gratitude for making a great 2024 season of water sports fun, with high drama, a bit of hardship, joy, and quiet satisfaction that make our club truly special.
Vic Edwards, our Vice President, took centre stage to hand out the prizes, following the enthusiastic highlights of achievements of our prize winners from our Sailing and Rowing Captains, Michael Leahy and Kate Halliday. They recounted tales of bravery, skill, gratitude and perhaps a few humorous mishaps that kept us all entertained.
The Sailing Trophies had their annual outing
Polished to a high sheen by John Eckett and laid out in their glory by retiring Trophy Officer Rosie Eckett and our new Trophy Officer Gary Butler. Thanks to them for their care and stewardship of these Club treasures.
The full Sailing Trophy results can be found on the Sailing Results page.
2024 highlight victories for COD’s Kathleen, Minnie, Gwalch, and Alys, with trophies carried off to be displayed with pride on the mantlepieces of Sam Barnes, Sion Williams, Gary Butler, Vic Edwards, John Eckett, Rosie Eckett, and Michael Leahy.
The Kathleen Salver trophy was awarded jointly to Jon Cryer and John Naish
The Kathleen Salver trophy is awarded for appreciation of efforts in support of the sailing programme. Jon and John are well deserved in receiving this award for their tireless and enthusiastic help on the Club launch, Sior.
Kate, our Rowing Captain celebrated our rowers’ achievements and contributions to the Club…
Recognized for his uplifting spirit, reliability, and significant contributions to the club.
The Rowers’ Rower award went to Mike Bertenshaw
Mike also received the Most Improved Cox award
for his consistent improvement in boat handling, crew training, and water knowledge.
Gary Thomas was honoured as the Most Improved Rower
for his remarkable progress in technique, style, and stamina.
The One Minute Erg Challenge, was won by Ruari Benton
This award is thanks to a generous non-member donor, Chris Lowe.
Last year Chris donated a Concept 2 Erg and a Prize Cup with accompanying bottle of whiskey, and set the challenge of ‘Best 1 Minute ERG Rowed Distance’ for the Cup.
Ruari set an impressive benchmark of 343m in one minute! Challengers ready for the 2025 season?
Special recognition and heartfelt thanks were given to Steve Wotherspoon
Steve, our Club Commodore and a founding member of the Deganwy Rowers, received a life-sized oar signed by all the rowers, showing their huge appreciation for his significant contribution to our rowing community.
A BIG THANK YOU and gracious gratitude goes to Steve for his consistent encouragement, support, generosity of time and mentoring over the last seven years. Truly OARSOME, Steve has been pivotal in establishing and nurturing our wonderful rowing club and community which we have today!
Peter Hamer was honoured for his service & achievements as our founder Rowing Captain
As our founder Rowing Captain, over the last 7yrs Peter has shaped Deganwy Rowers Club into the inclusive, vibrant and beloved community it is today. His remarkable leadership for setting the tone, values and direction of Deganwy Rowers, binds us together and continues to attract new rowers, year on year. Pete’s remarkable dedication, generosity of spirit, drive for inclusivity, passion and patience are hugely appreciated and respected.
Ben Nicholls, our House Chair reminded us of the camaraderie and community spirit that make Conway Yacht Club a home away from home.
Lots of silver trophies were awarded, but perhaps the night will be remembered for the delicious pizzas cooked by the two maestros in the kitchen. Amidst collecting prizes, Mike Bertenshaw, aided by Garry Tann, provided pizza and snacks to the spectators and prize winners.
The House Committee was delighted to present the Cariad Award to Gary Thomas
This trophy, a set of silver napkin rings, is awarded to a member who has assisted the House Committee. Gary was nominated for this honour as a token of gratitude for his contributions of expertise, time, and labour throughout our recent building projects and his kind donation of furniture for the bar area.
And finally…back to our Commodore, Steve…
As we strive to make sailing and rowing accessible to our local community, let’s take a moment to recognize how far we’ve come. If you missed the Prize Giving event, don’t worry – there’s always next year, and who knows, you might be the one standing on stage, accepting a prize with a grin!
Here’s to a fantastic 2025, filled with fair winds, following seas, and plenty of adventures both afloat and ashore. May your sails be full, your oars strong, and your spirits high.
Fair winds and following seas to you all!
