Allan has an impressive sailing resume, RHADC Junior Boys Champion, RHADC Sailing Instructor, RHADC Fitted Dinghy Skipper for ten years, Five National Championships in IOD, Etchells and J105 Classes (3), Six International Race Week Titles, Seven Newport/Bermuda Races and Six Marion/Bermuda Races.

Allan discusses his long relationship with the RHADC:

"My first memory of the RHADC was when it was located on Church Street in Hamilton. My father was the Commodore there in 1963, which preceded the move to “Mangroville” in 1964 where he was alos Commodore. The first priority was changing the old home to become a Club, and then build the Marina.

I learnt to sail on my own sitting inside the cockpit of a Sunfish in Riddells Bay, but my first tuition was in the Club Junior Sailing Program. Lots have changed since those days, in fact as I write this, we have students competing overseas in South America, something unheard of when I was a student and sailing instructor.

The good news is that sailing has been part of my life and I have been fortunate enough to win National Championships in the Etchells, International One Design and J105 Classes over the years, not to mention many international regattas and World Championships, one as far away as Perth in Australia. Mixed in with Class racing I became interested in ocean racing and first began in BOCA enjoying the overnight races around the Argus Tower. The next big bash was the many Newport Bermuda Races, and then the first Marion Bermuda Race in 1977 hosted by the RHADC, and many since.  So the Club continues to provide a brilliant platform to those interested in any type of sailing.

Our expanded 106 berth Marina provides another platform providing Members to step aboard and go, and a welcoming destination for visitors and ocean racers alike.

The Clubhouse sits proudly at the end of the harbour offering a commanding view to the west. Often I get the feeling of standing on the bridge of a ship watching and admiring a glorious sunset. Here is the Members home away from home where dining, entertainment and relaxing is a priority."

AW April 2012