Tamesis Sailing Club captain Phil England has been honoured for giving his life to the sport that helped him meet his wife.
 

The Richmond veteran, an accomplished Merlin Rocket and National 18 sailor, landed the Royal Yatching Association’s Lifetime Commitment Award at an awards ceremony in London last week.
 

England, who was presented with his award by RYA president HRH Princess Royal,  was nominated by his Teddington-based club for 57-years of voluntary service, which started in 1956 as an architect and has included the running of the cadet squadron for more than 50 years.
 

“The more you put into things, the more you get out, and I’ve had 50 wonderful years with the club,” he said.
 

“I met my wife there 50 years ago and my family grew up there. I was staggered to receive the award.”