Gordon Burgis awarded British Empire Medal
by Jersey Evening Post & RCIYC 5 Sep 07:48 PDT
The Lieutenant-Governor, Vice Admiral Sir Jerry Kyd, presented the British Empire Medal to Gordon Burgis © Rob Currie
Pioneering surfer and sailor Gordon Burgis was awarded his British Empire Medal for services to Jersey's sailing community in a presentation at Government House.
Mr Burgis - who won multiple Great Britain and European surfing championships between 1964 and 1971 as well as winning the Hobie 16 European Masters Championship in 2000 - was named in the
King's New Year Honours.
The award reflects his many years of work with the Jersey Surfboard Club and Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club, in addition to his Hobie fleet activities.
At the time of learning of his award, Mr Burgis said: "I am honoured and feel very privileged to receive this award granted by his Majesty the King."
He added that it "reflects the wonderful collective support I have been fortunate to receive from two major clubs in the Island... [and] the energy and dedication of all those participating in the Hobie fleet's activity over the years, especially the junior sailors."
Jeremy Swetenham Commodore of the Royal Channel Islands YC added:
"On behalf of all of the members of the RCIYC, we are delighted to congratulate Gordon on his award of the British Empire Medal, the one Channel Island sporting award in this New Year Honours List. Through his establishment of Britain's largest Hobie Catamaran sailing fleet over 33 years ago, Gordon's impact on the many hundreds of young who he has encouraged, inspired and supported is unmatched.
"Not only are the impacts on these young sailors life changing in the areas of confidence and communication skills, but the culture fostered by him is one of a unique calm, professional and enjoyable competitive environment and camaraderie. Consequently, he has created an army of well rounded and excellent sporting ambassadors who continue to represent the Island and Great Britain globally.
"The Club continues to owe Gordon a huge debt of gratitude and it is wonderful for it to be recognised in this way."