The Flag Officers Past & Present Dinner of the Royal Cork Yacht Club held on 19 November 2021 saw the addition of a new trophy to the club. The Tricentennial Trophy was gifted by Admiral Colin Morehead to the yacht club in honour of its recent Tricentenary.

Admiral Morehead, who soon stands down following a two-year term, presented the award to its first recipient, Club Archivist Dr T. Paul McCarthy. The trophy was commissioned by Colin from Grant McEwan of Grant Designs, the Malahide-based sculptor who has become well-known in sailing circles for his beautiful pieces. McEwan recently produced a number of unique trophies for Royal Cork Yacht Club’s Tricentenary At Home Regatta in August of this year and offcuts from these unique trophies were used in the making of the Tricentennial Trophy.

In announcing the award, Morehead read out its dedication to the club: “This trophy should be awarded annually to someone whom, in the view of the Admiral alone, demonstrates a dedication and commitment to the club and through their hard work has ensured that many others have benefitted.” In announcing Dr McCarthy as the inaugural recipient, the Admiral spoke of the tremendous work undertaken by the Club Archivist since his appointment two years ago, while also building on the work of previous archivist, Dermot Burns. In particular, the work he has undertaken in retrieving, recording and displaying the vast array of trophies within the club for all members to enjoy. The announcement was received with universal approval marked by a standing ovation from all those present at the dinner.