A bright and sunny morning greeted the 96 golfers who turned out for the thirteenth North Sails Golf Day on Friday 30th October at Cams Hall in Fareham. John ‘Jonny’ Merricks worked at North Sails and the first Golf Day, organised as it is today with the help of the Seahorse Golf Society, was set up to raise money for a Trust to be started in John’s name. Since its inception 13 years ago the Golf Day has raised over £130,000.

This fantastic event always draws the support of former colleagues and friends of John’s, Olympic medallists, Americas Cup sailors, yacht designers and keen amateur sailors who turn out to play a good game of golf whilst remembering John and supporting the charity in his name.

2008 Olympic Gold Sailing Medallist in the Laser class, Paul Goodison, enjoyed some well-deserved downtime with a round of golf with fellow Olympic and International Sailing Stars, Ian Walker, Chris Draper, Guy Salter, Mark Bulkeley, Ed Wright, Chris Mason, Matt Cornwell, Eddie Warden Owen, Andy Green and Ossie Stewart.

Ian Walker, John’s former sailing partner and JMST trustee, who is also a double Olympic silver medallist, America’s Cup Skipper & Helm and Volvo Ocean Race Skipper of Green Dragon in 2008-2009, gave a speech thanking everyone for their continued support of the JMST.

Mark Chisnell, professional sailor and writer, spoke about his recent experience commentating on the Volvo Ocean Race 2008 – 09 and writing “Spanish Castle to White Night”, his new book about the aforementioned race. He also provided some wonderful personal anecdotes about John Merricks.
Neil Mackley from North Sails commented, “We are very happy with the end result of today’s Golf Day, raising money for charity in the current economic climate is not easy, and I would just like to thank the companies that supported the day and the individuals who hopefully enjoyed a good day out of the office.”