A HASLEMERE sailor is set to receive one of the Royal Yachting Association’s most prestigious awards.

Clive Eplett was nominated for a Lifetime Commitment Award in honour of his work with Frensham Pond Sailing Club.

And he will be presented with his award by association president the Princess Royal at a ceremony in London tomorrow (Friday).

Mr Eplett has long been a highly influential and inspirational member of Frensham Pond Sailing Club. A top sailor in his own right, his passion for sailing and racing is infectious and he has helped many aspiring sailors, both young and old, to develop their skills, even writing a successful book called Club sailor – from Back to Front and setting up the clubsailor.co.uk website.

A member of the club’s general committee for ten years, serving as vice-commodore, treasurer and chairman of the race committee, he has readily given his advice, support and help in the organisation and running of major club events such as the ten-hour race, and in the more mundane but necessary tasks of maintaining the club site and premises.

A knowledgeable Royal Yachting Association racing coach, MR Eplett organised race training for novice racers, youth fleets and more experienced sailors with expert guidance.

A Frensham Pond Sailing Club spokesman said: “He has even been known to spend considerable time breaking up ice on the water to enable racing to continue. His enthusiasm for the sport is unquestionable and many racers around the world have appreciated this practical guidance.”

On hearing that he had been selected for the award, Mr Eplett said: “The legendary Uffa Fox said a man should have a boat that’s a foot long for every year of his age. Hence my fabulous RS100 makes me just over 14 years old. But apparently I’ve been 14 for a lifetime now, so I am doubly surprised to have been nominated for, never mind won, this award.

“I’m currently on a bit of a committee break, but I cannot imagine that will stop me continuing to champion club sailing for quite a while yet.”