John, aged 92 years-old, is a former RAF pilot who lives in Wroxham, and still takes his boat out on the Norfolk Broads. He has been a member of the Club for the past 34 years.
To honour John’s achievements, the Club has awarded him the Bavaria Cup for exceptional service and made him a Life Member at their AGM. John was also presented with a special VIP reserved mooring outside the clubhouse, the Anchorage, on the River Bure, near Acle, named “John Redding’s Dyke”.
Northern Rivers Sailing Club Commodore, Dr Mark Collins said:
“John is an inspiration to members of our sailing club. We believe he is the oldest sailor still out on the water, regularly taking the helm of his yacht “My Weigh”. John enters our summer racing programme and, until the Covid-19 pandemic, he frequently joined club members on our two-week sea cruise around the East Anglian coast”.
John said “I was surprised and delighted by the presentation” – and, as recently as the 2022 season, John won the Green Ranger Trophy in his Hunter Ranger 245 yacht in a pursuit race.
For more information about how to get out on the water in the East Region, visit https://www.rya.org.uk/start-boating