ANTIGUA YACHT CLUB

In the  British New Year's Honours List, lifetime Antiguan yachtsman, Karl James, has been awarded an MBE for his controbution to sailing and national development in Antigua and Barbuda.

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) are used to recognise merit in terms of achievement and service as part of the Biritsh Honours system which also recognises Overseas Territories such as Antigua and Barbuda.

James who is manager of sailing at Antigua Yacht Club has been involved in yachting from instructing youth to racing internationally both at Olympic level and on superyachts such as Sojana as a professional crew member for more than 30 years. He recently headed up the on the water management for the OptiWorlds delivering the biggest summer yachting event Antigua has ever seen.

Of the award James said, "I am extremely honoured and proud to have received this recognition for my contribution to the community of sailing in Antigua and Barbuda." He went on to say, "The sport of sailing in general and the industry here in Antigua has changed a lot since I first started as a young boy coiling ropes in the Dockyard. My advice is to work hard, focus on short and long term goals, but be able to adapt to change. Talk to people in the business in order to continue learning. Be open minded to opportunity since it might not present as you anticipated. Always remember that you are an ambassador for your country and you must conduct yourself accordingly with consistent good behaviour. Practice clean living - no drugs, no alcohol, no tobacco. Most important, give back to your community, and help others grow as well. "  

With the level of work involved in managing operations at Antigua Yacht Club and running the dinghy programme it is clear that James continues to give back to the community and go above and beyond in teaching young Antiguans to sail.

Of his career he says, "To succeed, work is inevitable, but if you do what you love, it won't seem so hard." 

Congratulations to Karl from the team at Antiguanice.com