Dear Members and Friends of Sutton Dinghy Club,
My name is David Johnston, and it is with great enthusiasm and a deep sense of pride that I step into the role of Club Manager for Sutton Dinghy Club. I would firstly like to congratulate and thank Hugh Gill on an incredible career in which he has overseen and driven this club to new heights, creating a fantastic atmosphere, but most importantly, inspiring countless young kids, myself included, to take to t
he sea at Sutton Creek. Thank you, Hugh. See you on the water in the new year!
Having been introduced to sailing by my father, thrown up the front of a Howth 17 and later an Etchell from the age of 5, It wasn’t long before I would be out on Sutton Creek in my own wooden Opi. By the time I was old enough to get on the sailing courses here in Sutton, I was hooked, completing 2 and sometimes 3 courses over the Summer. Learning to race off the club line which then progressed to the SDC Opi Squad where we would arrive to different regional and national events in large numbers.
I progressed into the Mirror class, where I crewed for several years and learned so much about racing, lessons and tricks which I still use to this day. I competed in my first International Event with the European Championships coming to Sligo in 2010. Alongside this I began to helm in an RS Feva where I had started to achieve some success winning the Youth national title 2011 and 2012 and placing 4th in the RS Feva Worlds in the Netherlands 2011. I have now progressed into the GP14 fleet here in Sutton where there has always been a tradition of strong competition and good fun among the class.
Aside from competitive racing, it was the fun had on the SDC Summer Courses that drove me to continue our sport. Naturally this led me to train as an instructor and coach, so that I can pass on some of the knowledge that I picked up over the years. I have worked as a Dinghy Instructor, Senior Instructor and Race Coach here in SDC, and further abroad, empowering young up and coming sailors with the knowledge to enjoy the sport of sailing.
My passion for driving this sport onward has never dwindled and in my tenure as Club Manager, I am committed to upholding the values that have steered our course thus far—community, inclusivity, and a relentless pursuit to provide everyone who wishes, a chance to experience the sport of sailing on our waters. Together, we will navigate the challenges ahead, ensuring that our club remains a beacon for sailors of all ages and skill levels, and to build upon the legacy that has been entrusted to me.
Thank you for your continued support and trust. Here’s to smooth sailing and fair winds ahead!
Warm regards,
David Johnston
Club Manager