Architect of British sailing success named OBE

ONE of the masterminds of Great Britain's Olympic sailing success has been recognised in the New Year's honours list.

HONOURED: British sailing's performance director John Derbyshire has received an OBE for services to sport, Buckingham Palace have announced

Royal Yachting Association performance director John Derbyshire has received an OBE for services to sport.

Derbyshire attended his first Olympics as a coach in 1988 but was promoted to team manager for the 1996 Games in Atlanta.

He continued with that job at Sydney four years later before his promotion to a role that oversees British sailing success at junior, youth and elite level.

He also served as Ben Ainslie's personal coach for six years, helping the then teenager win the first of his four Olympic medals in Atlanta, a silver he upgraded to gold four years later.

"I'm really surprised and very flattered to be receiving an OBE - it's quite a shock really!" said Derbyshire, who chairs the performance directors' forum, a collective of those responsible for delivering medals success in 2012 across all sports.

"It's a great reflection on the sport of sailing and all the people who put so much time and effort in to it. 

"I wouldn't have been able to do what I've done without them so I'm flattered to be able to receive this on behalf of them and the sport.

"Without the unwavering support from my wife and family I wouldn't have been able to commit the time I have to the sport so I am very appreciative of that - this is for them too."

British sailors topped the medal at the 2008 Olympic Games, winning six medals, including four golds, and RYA chief executive Rod Carr hailed Derbyshire's contribution.