A GLASS plaque has been presented to the Falmouth’s former harbour master after his retirement in gratitude for his 28 years service.

Mark Sansom actually retired as Falmouth’s Harbour Master back in January this year but it is only now that the Port of Falmouth Sailing Association has been able to present Mark with a glass plaque as recognition for all his work over the past 28 years, his first eight as Deputy Harbour Master and the last 20 as Harbour Master.

Presenting the plaque Nigel Sharp, chairman of PoFSA, the federation of the local sailing and yacht clubs in Falmouth, said the port was renowned as a world-class venue for world-class events, and a lot of this was due to Mark and his staff's work.

He said during Mark’s time in office numerous national championships have been held here, several European championships, and three world championships.

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The first of them, in 2004 not long after he was appointed, was the international Dragon class – a former Olympic three-man keelboat. Amongst the 80+ entries was one sailed by the Crown Prince of Denmark whose accommodation was the Danish royal yacht berthed in the docks. Princess Anne came to watch for one day.

The Dragons were followed by the new J80 class in 2005 then the Finn dinghy in 2012.

The Finns were undoubtedly the most significant sailing event the port has ever hosted – the world championships of an Olympic class in an Olympic year.

With over 100 “by invitation only” entries, for several countries it was the final opportunity to qualify for the Olympics. For many competitors it was the final opportunity to be selected to represent their country. Media attention was intense. The curtain was brought down by the Olympic torch relay past the assembled competitors.

Mark provided the dinghy park at grove place for the event and together with the chief pilot, Captain David Barnicoat, arranged for the northern bay to be kept clear of anchored ships for some ten days.

"As you probably recall the event was won by our own Ben Ainslie who went on to win gold at Weymouth three months later," said Mr Sharp.

"Other major showcase events that happened on Mark’s watch were the return in 2012 of the J -Class for the first time since 1936 and four Pendennis cups for superyachts. Princess Anne was also present for one day of the J regatta in 2012.

"Falmouth could not occupy centre stage on the world stage without the support of the Harbour Commissioners and Mark has been at the heart of their involvement.”

So – this week, on behalf of local and international sailors all over the world who have enjoyed participating in successful events in Falmouth over the past 20 years, a final presentation was made to mark the relationship between Mark Sansom and PoFSA.