#DMYC – A new annual award to recognise the outstanding contribution by junior sailors was launched yesterday by Sir Bob Geldof at the Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club (DYMC). The DMYC Bob Geldof Spirit of Sailing Memorial Award is named in honour of the late Bob Geldof, father of Sir Bob Geldof, who was a long standing member of the DMYC. The first recipient of the Award was Conor Ryan (age 17) from Dalkey . He was presented with the Award at a ceremony on Saturday by Sir Bob Geldof in recognition of excellence in demanding sailing and racing achievements. In particular Conor's swift transfer from junior sailing rank to full DBSC (Dublin Bay Sailing Club) racing membership was commended.

According to Liam Owens, Commodore, DMYC , the Memorial award comes at a fitting time when the Club has a number of initiatives to highlight the many benefits of sailing to young people.

"The late Bob Geldof was an avid and accomplished sailor. He was a founding member of our Club back in 1965 and always encouraged and nurtured young people who wanted to gain experience and enjoy our sport. He was a much loved member of the DMYC from its earliest years until his death. The Geldof family mindful of his close connections with our Club has donated this new annual award to commemorate his memory and to inspire a new generation of junior sailors at the DMYC."

"This award is particularly apt, as we are actively seeking to promote the fun, energetic and thrill of sailing to young people. We want to encourage more people to embrace the sport and get out on the water and to help people in these recessionary times we are offering free membership to 16-19 year olds. New members do not need to have their own boat and existing members are always delighted to welcome newcomers to crew on their boats".

The DMYC has always maintained a key priority on offering 'affordable sailing'. It provides relevant support and back-up for a diverse range of marine activities such as angling, diving as well as for the core activity of the club – Sailing. The DMYC contributes to Dublin Bay racing through its organisation of its September Series and the Winter Frostbites for the more experienced sailors. The Club organises Junior Sail Training Programmes and is strongly involved in organising cruises-in-company for more mature sailors in Summertime to selected ports and locations up and down the Irish Sea and cross-channel.

"We like to think of our club as a home from home for members. Throughout the Winter season we host a strong and vibrant series of guest lectures on areas of cultural and nautical interest. These are highly popular social suppers where both Members, their friends as well as non-members can enjoy. It is fitting today that we announce our memorial award to one of those members, the late Bob Geldof who certainly viewed our Club as a home from home," concludes Commodore Owens.

#dmyc – Sir Bob Geldof will present an award made in memory of his late father to an outstanding junior sailor in Dun Laoghaire next month. The 'Bob Geldof Spirit of Sailing Award' for outstanding junior sailors will be presented at the Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club (DMYC) where Bob senior was a founder member,  on Saturday, July 21st next.