I have been overwhelmed by comments made by sailors and ‘landsmen’ alike regarding being named as one of twenty-five people named as having a positive effect on the sailing/cruising community.
See:
So, I thought I should share some.
From one who was inspired… ‘Well done Nick and Christobel . Very well deserved.’
From a man introduced to sailing a Finesse aboard Whimbrel: ‘Definitely where all my problems started. Well done Nick and Mrs mate.’
‘Congratulations, an honour indeed. xx’
‘Well deserved, you and your sterling mate. I am proud to be among the number to have been invited aboard of Whimbrel and supped a cuppa with you. Hero!’
‘How fabulous, and well deserved!’
A sailor in Chichester Harbour: ‘Brilliant! Congratulations but an entirely worthy honour! If it wasn’t for your combination of infectious enthusiasm and sound advice we would probably have steered cautiously away from buying Frith, and we’d be plodding along in a mouldy Westerly Centaur whilst Frith rotted. On balance it was still a decision of the heart, not the head but we’ve absolutely no regrets! Well done again.’
‘Well deserved accolade Nick.’
‘Great to see that coastal sailing receiving the recognition it deserves under your stewardship Nick Ardley. Congratulations on this award for all your work supporting the coastal sailor, by sea and word!!’
‘An honour you certainly deserve for all you have done to foster peoples’ knowledge of, and interest in, sailing. We are honoured just to be in the photo!’
And a mention for Whimbrel too – ‘Fabulous news!! Well Done Nick, Christobel and of course Whimbrel. Congratulations!!’
‘Congratulations to you both, every great skipper needs a great mate! Very well deserved Nick Ardley. xx’
From another who says it was all my fault… ‘Excellent Nick congratulations to you both and thanks for all your support and encouragement over the years. Well deserved.’
A touching comment from the Finesse Community: ‘You are definitely worthy, you are almost always the first to comment on questions I have with clear and concise responses thank you!’
From New Zealand came: ‘Richly deserved, what next a Knighthood?’ – I don’t think so!
‘And about time too ! You certainly deserve the publicity.’
‘Congratulations Nick “ our local hero” well deserved.’
‘Congratulations good to see the acknowledgment. x’
‘That’s excellent, it’s great you have been recognised for all your contributions to sailing…’
‘Congratulations on your honouring by the Yachting Monthly, you really deserve it…’
From a respected yachting journalist: ‘Well done and richly deserved.’
From the Netherlands came this particularly lovely message. They include Christobel too:
‘Ineke and I congratulate you and Christobel so much on your election as
sailing hero by the authoritative Yachting Monthly. Sure you earn a
place in their Hall of Fame (and in ours).
Above all, this means that many sailors, and we are among them, owe you
a debt of gratitude for everything you have contributed to developing
and maintaining the joy of sailing and much more.
As a little example of this, I send you a picture of the solar panel
that recently I installed on Josie. It does not contribute to her
beauty, but it indicates the purpose of being able to spend more time
undisturbed in the mud … of which satisfaction you sure have
contributed.
Enjoy this mark of honour! Kind regards, Ineke and Pieter’
From the bottom of my heart, thank you all, I am deeply and humbly honoured…