Honorary Life Members & Roll of Honour
Jeremy Norman Awarded in 2025 for his leadership and quiet drive in Cruising circles but in particular for his commitment, organisation and dedication to the Cruising conferences, as well as past Wayfarer News editor and Cruising Secretary.
Philip Ayton Awarded in 2025 for his dedication, hard work and long commitment as Hon. Treasurer of the UKWA since 2010.
John Cadman Awarded in 2025, for all that he has done and continues to do to promote Wayfarer sailing in the US. John encouraged at least 10 people to buy new MKIV in the run up to the 2022 Internationals so that there would be a healthy class in the US and to be able to provide loan boats to overseas entries in the Worlds. He initially bought 2 of the new boats himself to reach the number required to fill a container. When the last shipment did not arrive in time for the Worlds John pulled out all the stops to find 5 MKIV loan boats for the overseas visitors and then had to find a further 2 or 3 replacement older boats for those who had loaned their MKIVs, so that they could still take part. In addition to this he also organised the Ceder Key International Rally and provided loan boats for all of the visitors that attended that event.
Matt Sharman awarded in 2024: in recognition of Matt actively supporting the Class for over 30 years as past Chairman, vice-chairman, rally organiser and long-standing presenter at cruising conferences. Sails fast: cannot think why they dont race!
Monica Schaefer Awarded in 2020 for her incredible commitment to the Class, both in Ireland, the UK and overseas as UKWA Marketing Officer, Irish Rep, taking part in racing and cruising events both in the UK and abroad, organising European Rallies and International Championships in Ireland.
Jim Heffernan Awarded 2020 in recognition of his 7 years stewardship of the WIC as WIC secretary. The post is supposed to be a 3 yearly duty, but as no-one could be found to undertake the role in 2016, Jim generously offered to continue in the role for a further 3 years, and repeated this when no-one came forward to undertake the role at 2019 WIC meeting.
John Mellor Awarded 2017 for his long serving UKWA Chairman, Vice-Chairman, R&T Chairman, past Cruising Secretary and started the monthly e-Newsletter to members.
Ralph Roberts Awarded 2012 for all his support and commitment to the Class and Wayfarer sailing in the UK and abroad. Past UKWA Commodore, Cruising Secretary and long serving UKWA WIC Rep, as well as since taking on WIC Secretary.
Poul Ammentorp A leading member of Scandinavian Wayfaring for many years, being a member of the SWS committee since 1998 and current chairman since 2006, (as well as from 1999 to 2003). Served as SWS, WIC Representative from 2003, and WIC Secretary from 2003 to 2006, as well as SWS Racing secretary and Deputy Chairman during this period. A co-initiator and supporter of the Wayfarer International Rally started in 1995, and founding member of the Danish Wayfarer Stompers, a well known and highly professional group of musicians who have provided superb entertainment at many Wayfarer events.
F. Chapman Awarded this honour in 1971.
Liz Feibusch Past commodore and chairman, enthusiastic promoter of Wayfarer cruising before switching her main interest to racing. Donated the Wansfell Trophy shield for lady helms/crews.
W N Hodshon Awarded the life membership at the 1991 AGM for his long and outstanding involvement with the class, being one of the original and founding members of the Association.
Ken Jensen A founding member of the SWS and keen supporter of the Wayfarer in Scandinavia. Bought his first Wayfarer W1348 in 1966 after reading about the boat in Yachting World, and seeing one at the Boat Show in Stockholm. Started importing Wayfarers for fellow enthusiasts and started the process of making the Wayfarer as popular in Scandinavia as it is today. In 1968, Ken, with an other Wayfarer sailors from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden met up with Frank and Margaret Dye on the small island Ven in Øresund to start the Scandinavian Wayfarer Assn. the SWS. Also initiated the Wayfarer skiing event, which has taken place in Norway (and now Sweden) in January for many years. Still sailing his W1348 in Denmark, with his enthusiasm for the boat undimmed.
Roger Proctor Son of Wayfarer designer Ian Proctor. Took over the role of representing the interests of Ian Proctor Designs within the Class Assn from Keith. Managed the transition of ownership of the copyright from IPD to Hartley Boats Ltd. Also an enthusiastic supporter of the Wayfarer and its related activities.
Jens Konge Rasmussen Owner of W1740 and a founding member of the SWS and keen supporter of the Wayfarer in Scandinavia. The first Wayfarer owner in Scandinavia to have their boat officially measured, so the proud owner of Measurement Certificate no 1. Has since been chief measurer in Scandinavia since 1980 and was the original translator of the Class Rules from English into the Danish language, and is still the SWS consultant in Class Rule matters. He is regarded as the most experienced Wayfarer Doctor in Scandinavia, and a willing person for any Wayfarer owner to turn to for advice. Initiated the annual SWS Rally at Rantzausminde in 1979, and the ideal location led to the event being one of the most popular of all NCA rallies.
Al Schonborn 'Mr Wayfarer' of North America! (Past posts held in the CWA). Responsible for the WIC and CWA websites and provides the main source of advice and support for Wayfarer sailors in Canada and the US.
Frank Dye (b 1928 d 2010)The most well known proponent of Wayfarer cruising there is ever likely to be, and the inspiration for the present generation of cruisers. Cruised far and wide in many different countries of the world, and author of the book 'Ocean Crossing Wayfarer'. Initiated, with others, the Wayfarer cruising rallies and the winter cruising conference.
Margaret Dye (d 2023)Cruised enthusiastically with her husband Frank, and promoted the Wayfarer at many boat shows, particularly extolling the virtues of using a boat tent to explore remote areas.
George Blanchard. Canada. (b 1913 d 2011)A founding member of the CWA. Took part in every International Wayfarer Championship up to the event at East Down, N. Ireland in 2001, as well as taking an active roll in the organisation of the 2004 event in Toronto at the age of 91.
T E Clark Racing Secretary around 1988.
Dr P Jonason (d2018) An excellent helm sailing a boat called Escargot, and was Commodore from 1968 -1970.
T Clark Awarded Honorary Life Membership at the 1988 AGM for his considerable support of the Wayfarer, and appreciation for securing Windsor Life as a sponsor for the class.
Greta Plowman (d 2020) Awarded in 2020. Veteran Wayfarer cruiser, with her husband Piers. Explored much of the UK and Baltic coastlines. Donated the Piers Plowman trophy awarded each year at the UKWA AGM; initially for the best cruising log, now for the best cruising article published in Wayfarer News during the previous year.
Peter Grainger (d March 2025) An initiator and great supporter of Wayfarer Rallies and the annual Winter Cruising Conference.
Michael Gale (d 2021) Editor of the first 3 editions of the Wayfarer Book. Enthusiastic supporter of the Wayfarer for family cruising.
Cliff Norbury (d.2023) A Wayfarer owner and excellent helm, as well as principal of Proctor Metal Masts. Served as R & T chairman for many years, leading the work to standardise the technical problems relating to the measurement of wooden boats. Awarded Honorary Life membership for his services to the Wayfarer Dinghy and Class.
Keith Proctor (d.2019) Son of Wayfarer designer Ian Proctor. Represented the interests of Ian Proctor Designs within the Class Assn. for many years, and oversaw the introduction of the first major revision of the Wayfarer internal design layout with the Wayfarer World. An enthusiastic supporter of the Wayfarer and all its related activities.
Mrs V Strauss (d. 2009)Awarded Honorary Life membership in 1997 for supporting her husband, the late Peter Strauss during all the years that he had been committee member, R&T Chairman, Treasurer, and Chairman.
Mrs G Wilson (d 2009)UKWA Class Secretary from 1979 to 1983 and wife of Alan Wilson who served on the committee as R & T chairman for some time. Alan also was a top sailor and a winner of the nationals and first Worlds. The award was given to both Alan and Gwen at the 1984 AGM to reflect the years of work they had both put in to the class. (Alan died in 2005).
W Wrench-Buck (d. 2012)Owned Wayfarer s.n.12.
Last updated 18:59 on 5 March 2025