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Reflecting over a century of service to yachting in New Zealand; Jim and Margaret Park celebrated for services to Christchurch Yacht Club
Truly representing what it means to “sail for life” is a pair who have collectively given over one hundred years of selfless service to yachting in New Zealand.
Named as 2016 Volvo Excellence Service award recipients, Jim and Margaret Park have dedicated much of their lives to both their home club of Christchurch Yacht Club as well as numerous provincial, national, and international events, boards, and associations.
Celebrating their efforts holds special meaning to yacht club members, both present and past who are marking Christchurch Yacht Club’s 125th anniversary this year.
Jim’s impressive CV showcases the tremendous work he has put into yachting administration over the years, and his involvement with the development of international sailing rules which has made him a highly sought after judge and race officer. Always at his side at many events has been Margaret, who is said to be his “unflappable time keeper”, always willing to get on with the job at hand in fair weather or foul. Their longstanding service has been widely appreciated throughout the country and overseas with events including P Class and Javelin Trials, Canterbury Waitangi Day regattas, New Zealand trailer yacht championships, 470 nationals, zephyr nationals, New Zealand youth trials, and Graham Mander regattas among others. Margaret has also been recognized this year with a special Canterbury Yachting Association life time award, acknowledging the ‘behind-the-scenes’ work at the club and on the water as a race time keeper.
It is a hard task to summarize the long list of boards and associations Jim has been involved in and the senior positions he has held within them. Having spent time as president of the Canterbury Yachting Association as well as many years representing Christchurch Yacht Club, Jim is now the patron of the association. He’s also served on over 20 international juries for world championship events in Australia, Canada, Fiji, Korea, Japan, New Zealand, and the USA, and is an elected life member of Yachting New Zealand and the New Zealand team sailing association.
Both Jim and Margaret are highly regarded at the Christchurch Yacht Club and a huge amount of appreciation is shown in their nomination to receive a service award in conjunction with a milestone year for their club.
Yachting New Zealand thanks the pair for their selfless efforts and expertise given to yachting over the years.
