Former Olympic sailor Jordy Walker has been recognised for his commitment to sailing in both local and international waters after being handed the coveted Llew Gibbons trophy.

Walker, an ex-Royal Bermuda Yacht Club (RBYC) commodore, also walked away with several other awards during last week's annual fleet racing prizegiving at RBYC. Current club Commodore Ralph Richardson presented the award.

Walker, whose sailing career includes competing in the 1972 Olympics in Munich and participating in a supporting role in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, was responsible for the design and building of fitted dinghies Spirit and Bloodhound.

Commodore Richardson said Walker's commitment to sailing was "unshakable".

"Past Commodore Walker was a significant force and one of the founding directors and later twice president and secretary of the World Match Racing Association," said Richardson.

"Through his enthusiasm and drive, he worked on reformatting of the King Edward VII Gold Cup here in Bermuda, including moving the racing from the Great Sound into the spectator friendly Hamilton Harbour and introducing the use of on the water umpiring to the event.

"He generated an early concept for Tall Ship training in Bermuda that has ultimately led to the Spirit of Bermuda programme. He has been on Bermuda's Olympic Association and Sports Hall of Fame Committee since its inception."

"Jordy has given abundantly of his time and resources over many years to sailing in both Bermuda and on the international stage. He has earned his place as one of Bermuda's most committed supporters of the sport of sailing."

Former Commodore Llew Gibbons was a member of the RBYC for 53 years, from 1947 until he died in 2000. He was made a life honorary member in 1995.