Mr Ambrose Lo, joined the club in 1990 and had continuously contributed to almost every aspect of the Club. Through his service in various positions within the club and Hong Kong Sailing Federation, he had helped steer the club and in particular sailing in a more inclusive direction, with more community service having become an integral part of the activities of our various sailing classes and the wider Hong Kong sailing community. Mr Lo’s extensive Club achievements included serving on Class & Race Committees, Retail, Public Affairs & Marine sub-committees, the latter as chairman; Middle Island development, Strategic planning, Club, Finance & Nominating Committees; and culminating in the appointment to the Sailing and General Committees, with further elevation to Rear Commodore, Vice Commodore and in 2010 Commodore. After stepping down as Commodore, Mr Lo’s boundless energy and dynamism spurred him on, leading to the widening of the Club’s charity arm by establishing the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club Charity Foundation, primarily targeting underprivileged children and marine conservation. As the founding Chairman and Director of the Foundation for the last 10 years, the Commodore emphasised his thanks to Mr Lo for enhancing the Club’s image and giving the community at large the opportunity to enjoy marine, sailing and paddling activities, giving an unforgettable experience to those who would otherwise never have had a chance of getting even close to seeing a sailing boat let alone set foot on one.
His whole-hearted dedication and perseverance in organizing numerous charity functions, not only through his own participation, but also in mobilizing and continuously promoting these activities to his fellow sailors and club members, remains the biggest factor to ensuring the correct path and success of the club’s charity activities.
The Commodore noted that the positive work achieved over the last decade of Mr Lo’s charitable endeavours and community outreach may even surpass his many years in serving the Club as a committee member, reiterating beyond doubt that the Club was fortunate and proud to have such a dedicated and altruistic individual as a member. An avid sailor, respected Commodore and philanthropist, Mr Lo is a great friend to all.
The Commodore invited Mr. Ambrose Lo to receive the Noel Croucher Award for his outstanding contribution to sailing and charity work.
Mr Paul Kidman’s commitment and contribution to making rowing a more inclusive sport to the wider community has been immense and significantly transformational for the Club. For over 12 months, Mr Kidman had hosted prospective new Members for Member-led development rowing sessions, 4 times a week, resulting in 29 new members in the 12-month period to May 2021. Drawing Development Rowers from a very diverse group of people with equal gender balance and a wide range of ethnicities, age and backgrounds, Mr Kidman’s affable manner and his meticulous attention to detail, down to the configuration of the boat allocations, ensured that everyone enjoyed their session. Mr Kidman has significantly raised the competence levels and participation rates amongst coastal rowers, which bodes well for the future of the sport and the Club in general.
Mr Kidman’s involvement in rowing extends to leading the organisation of countless coastal rowing expeditions for the Club and through the Hong Kong, China Rowing Association, including organising outings in the Tolo Harbour area.
As one of the founding organisers of the Rowing and Paddling Sunset Series, the Wednesday evening rows at Kellett Island, land workouts and erg sessions, Mr Kidman also leads three coastal rowing sessions every weekend to ensure all new members and development rowers have structured outings. Mr Kidman has created an inclusive environment where Members and course participants have fostered the love for rowing and he has done so without ever needing or accepting recognition.
The Commodore invited Mr Paul Kidman to receive the Noel Croucher Award for his outstanding contribution to rowing and paddling.