Issue date
Selfless dedication to the sport; Mike Underwood recognised for services to Waikawa Boating Club
A story of true selflessness surrounds the nomination for Mike Underwood of Waikawa Boating Clubs’ Yachting New Zealand Service award.
Despite not being a sailor himself, the 2016 recipient has shown dedication over the last seven years within the race management realm at WBC along with various other facets of sailing in the community.
Since his arrival at the club, Mike has coupled a lifelong love of water with his dedication to learn the ropes of being a race officer and official starter for the WBC keelboat fleet. Appreciation for his reliability and consistency in carrying out this role has been expressed by the club’s members who are grateful for the opportunity to be out racing themselves. Having come to terms with the idiosyncrasies often associated with yacht racing, Mike’s role can at times be very time consuming, with hours spent both on and off the water.
Always keen to learn, Mike has completed race management courses and other related educational opportunities to offer the best service he can, going above and beyond to help with the maintenance of the start boat ‘Blue Peter’.
A shining example of someone who has embraced the spirit of the sport and enjoyment that it brings despite not having a yachting background, Mike has enhanced the experiences of others and is always making others feel welcome at the club.
Beyond Waikawa Boating Club, Mike also lends a ready hand in the start box at the local dinghy Club, Queen Charlotte Yacht Club (QCYC) during the National Optimist Interislander Regatta where he takes on the green fleet race officer role. He also lends his time and efforts to QCYC during Yachting New Zealand’s ‘Have A Go’ week, and is a familiar face on the finish boat at the Secondary School Teams Sailing Regatta when held in Picton. As an active volunteer member for the Coastguard Marlborough based in Picton, Mike is a true community-spirited individual whose love for being involved does not go unnoticed.
Yachting New Zealand heartily thanks Mike for his efforts in enhancing the sport and it’s community in Marlborough.
