A SAILING pioneer has been honoured for his contribution to the sport.

Former Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy chairman Edward Leask has been awarded both an OBE and a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Community Award for Outstanding Contribution.

Mr Leask received his OBE for Sailing, Young People and Philanthropy. And last week he was recognised for his voluntary contribution to the sport with a presentation by HRH Princess Anne at Westminster.

Mr Leask was chairman of the sailing academy from 2007 to 2013 and was involved in developing it into the Olympic and Paralympic sailing venue for the London 2012 games.

A two-time Olympian himself, Mr Leask has offered his services to the sailing academy ever since its inception in 2000.

He said: “I am truly honoured to be named for such prestigious awards. My work alongside the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy has been exceptionally rewarding, and I look forward to continuing to encourage the sport and legacy agenda for young people in years to come.”

Director of the sailing academy, Sir Ben Ainslie congratulated Mr Leask on his awards. He said: “He has made a real impact on the sailing scene. An Olympic sailor himself, he had the foresight to help initiate the development of the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy. “He is a key player in ensuring the sports venue has a successful and sustained legacy following 2012. His title is well deserved.”