An experienced sailor has been honoured for his lifelong contributions to the sport.

Michael Evans, of Wroxham, was presented with the Royal Yachting Association's National Award by Her Royal Highness Anne, the Princess Royal.

The award is known as the knighthood of the sailing world.

Mr Evans, affectionately known as Mike, has a long history of boat-racing, first gaining attention nationally when he won the Enterprise National Championship in 1958.

The boat was crewed by Anne Thrower, whom Mr Evans went on to marry.

In the same year he won the Endeavour Trophy (in dinghy sailing), and three years later picked up the Burton Cup and National 12 Championship.

His racing career also included winning the coveted Norfolk Broads Yacht Club Gold Cup eight times in his Yare and Bure One Design Alder Kitten - a total which has yet to be exceeded.

In 1984 he was team leader of the Great Britain team at the Los Angeles Olympics, in which Britain won a bronze medal.

Aside from racing Mr Evans has served many years on the Royal Yachting Association's council, headed the International Yacht

Racing Union, and he was a board and committee member on the Broads Authority for 12 years.

He was also elected chairman of the Royal Yachting Association in 1985 during which he persuaded Princess Anne to become president.

Mr Evans remains president of the Norfolk and Suffolk Boating Association today.

Do you know someone who deserves to be honoured for their work?

Email nicholas.carding@archant.co.uk or call the newsdesk on 07501 481521.