A DEDICATED sailor has spoken of his delight after being presented with an accolade by Princess Anne.

The Princess Royal, who is president of the Royal Yachting Association, gave the group’s lifetime commitment award to Ian Smith, for serving on Ripon Sailing Club’s committee for 35 years.

Mr Smith is currently undertaking his second stint as sailing secretary for the club and is a key member of a working group set up to integrate training, coaching and racing activities within the club.

He said: “Having held many roles during my years with the club, I can honestly say it has been a pleasure to work with so many like-minded people.

“Colleagues who have not only maintained the spirit of the club’s founders, but who have also worked hard to keep the club moving forward, maintaining its envied position as a thriving family sailing club.

“The 2011 season has been very successful and we have seen a phenomenal increase in the number of our junior sailors taking on the adults in all our club races.”