A BURNHAM sailor will be presented with a prestigious award by the Princess Royal.

Edwin Buckley will pick up a regional prize from the Royal Yachting Association at an awards ceremony in London later this month.

Mr Buckley will be presented the award by Princess Anne in recognition of his commitment and services to the association.

He joined the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club on Burnham Quay in 1993 where he joined the otter management committee and becoming chairman.

Mr Buckley was also involved in the club’s junior racing team and served as commodore from 2001 to 2004.

He said: “I am delighted and privileged to have been nominated for this award.

“On receiving the letter I was unable to find the words to express my excitement.

“Thank you to everybody that has acknowledged my service to make this award possible.”

Mr Buckley has also been principal race officer for Burnham Week since 2006 and represents the interests of the yacht club on the Burnham Joint Clubs Committee.

Richard Card, chairman of the Royal Yachting Association’s Eastern Region committee, said Mr Buckley was a deserving winner.

“He helped the yacht club achieve Champion Club status, as well as instigating more rigorous health and safety practices throughout the club and its racing programmes,” he said.

“He continues to run the committee boat, and is currently working to strengthen the team of club volunteers ensuring that the high standard of race officers continues into the future.

“Edwin’s contribution to the yacht club, and to the local sailing community is second to none.”