Gordon Burgis has been awarded an BEM for his services to the sailing community
Five people in Jersey have been recognised for their work in the island by being included in the New Year Honours List.
Gordon Burgis has been awarded an BEM for his services to the sailing community and has been described as “one of Jersey’s and the Channel Islands’ all-time surfing greats” by the Jersey Surfboard Club.
He won multiple Great Britain and European Surfing Championships between 1964-1971, as well as winning Hobie 16 European Masters Championship in 2000 too.
Mr Burgis said “it was a bit of a shock” learning he had been given the honour and sailing and surfing had “shaped me as a person”.
Gordon said he had very fond memories of racing in Hobie Cat tournaments
He started surfing in 1959 and represented Great Britain at four World Surfing Championships from 1964 to 1972.
Mr Burgis said “surfing was my big passion which took me around the world” but discovered Hobie Cat racing in California in the 1960s and “we thought they’d be fantastic for St Ouen’s Bay or for Jersey”.
He added, “It is exhilarating, and it is like flying because if you’re skimming the tops of the waves and you’re double cruising with your crew, so it’s quite sensational.”
Mr Burgis has helped build the sport’s popularity in the island and said he was now working with others to bring the Multi-Hobie Cat European Championships to Jersey in 2028.
On behalf of all of the members of the RCIYC, we are delighted to congratulate Gordon on his award of the British Empire Medal, the only Channel Island sporting award in this New Year Honours List. Through his establishment of Britain’s largest Hobie Catamaran sailing fleet over 33 years ago, Gordon’s impact on the many hundreds of young people whom he has encouraged, inspired and supported is unmatched. Not only are the impacts on these young sailors life changing in the areas of confidence and communication skills, but the culture fostered by him is one of a unique, calm, professional and enjoyable competitive environment and camaraderie. Consequently, he has created an army of well-rounded and excellent sporting ambassadors who continue to represent the Island and Great Britain globally. The Club continues to owe Gordon a huge debt of gratitude, and it is wonderful for it to be recognised in this way.
The IHCA would also wish Gordon our most sincere congratulations for all the work he has done for Hobie Sailing. Gordon has been instrumental in Hobie sailing but also for the devlopment of junour sailors to ensure the next generation of sailors are always coming through.
Congratulations Gordon Burgis BEM