A MEMBER of the Challenger group at Helensburgh Sailing Club has been chosen as the first winner of a brand new trophy presented in memory of an enthusiastic local sailor.
Majid Sohrabi was chosen as the inaugural winner of the Ernest Bennie Memorial Trophy, presented to the club by the members of Lomond Rotary.
Majid is the secretary of the Helensburgh Challenger Group, a charity which provides access to sailing for people with disabilities as well as advancing education and promoting the welfare of disabled sailors in particular and disabled people in general.
The trophy was presented to the group - a corporate member of Helensburgh Sailing Club - in memory of Dr Ernest Bennie, a past president of the Rotary club and a well known face in the Helensburgh area.
Sheenah Nelson from Lomond Rotary explained: “Following his passing donations were received in memory of this lovely gentleman.
“After discussions with Club members and his wife Norma we felt it would be appropriate to present a trophy to a local organisation with a link to something that Ernest would approve of.
“Ernest was a keen sailor so president Gordon Greig approached Helensburgh Sailing Club and David Witham of Helensburgh Challenger Group and it was decided that a trophy to recognise a member of the group who had faced many challenges and did much to support the club would be an ideal recipient of the trophy.
“Norma was delighted to present the trophy to Majid Sohrabi at Helensburgh Sailing Club. President Gordon, members of the group and fellow Rotarians attended the presentation.”
David Whitham said: “The Helensburgh Challenger Group was started in 1982 with three trimarans provided by a local benefactor. This followed an RYA seminar for the Seamanship Foundation in 1981.
“Many groups were set up round the UK and Ireland with competitions and regattas open to all abilities.
Lomond Rotary president Gordon Greig hands over the new Ernest Bennie Memorial Trophy to David Whitham from the Helensburgh Challenger Group (Image: Brian Averell)
“Over the years the Helensburgh Challenger Group has benefited from our links, to the Helensburgh Sailing Club who provide helpers and facilities. In the past we have been given boats by groups such as the Lions and with money raised at the Faslane Fair, named Faslane Challenge and Lions Challenge.
“We very much appreciate the financial donation from the Lomond Rotary Club and the trophy that we were able to present to our lead member Majid Sohrabi.
“Majid is a great support to the club through his work as our secretary and his undying enthusiasm.”
Norma Bennie added: “As a keen sailor and psychiatrist, Ernest would have been delighted to support the Challenger Group.
“Ernest himself used sailing as therapy and release from his often stressful and sometimes distressing work.
“As a sport, sailing challenges the individual participant and can be adapted to include individuals of all abilities. It can be rewarding, frustrating and exhilarating.
“The Challenger sailing experience ensures that people with a disability can maximize their quality of life through this extremely diverse activity.
“It is often said that to sail is to fly without wings. It also enables us to experience a unique freedom, sometimes denied by physical and emotional restrictions.
The Challenger Trophy gives recognition to those whose skill and tenacity enable them to overcome adversity.
“I’m sure this is something Ernest would have approved of and a fitting way to remember him.”
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