Ullman Sails-powered, Team Hedgehog, has been awarded the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club’s prestigious ‘Most meretricious member’ prize.

The trophy, rarely awarded, has seen previous recipients such as Stuart Childerley for his Etchells World Championship win and Olympian sailor, Shirley Robertson, for her Gold medal-winning performances.

The Committee awarded Team Hedgehog, powered by Ullman Sails, for their unprecedented third consecutive European Championship victory, an achievement never attained before.

Captained by Ian Southworth, who commented: “This is a great honour from a prestigious yacht club, previously awarded only to top British sailors. I would like to thank the club on behalf of my great crew, Andy McLelland, Chris McLaughlin, and Mark Hayman. My thanks also to Richard Cooke, Nigel Smith and Mike Kyte, who have all been great Hedgehog crew members at consecutive Europeans.

“The team looks forward to the World Championships in Sardinia, where Hedgehog will celebrate her 21st birthday and we will welcome our good friend, Max Skelley from the Ullman Maryland loft.”

After 12 races with windy and shifty conditions, the title of J24 European Champion was awarded for the fourth time in total to team Inmarsat Hedgehog. Helmsman Ian Southworth and his crew fought hard against many of Europe’s best J/24 sailors at the Baltic venue.