Local sports hero Gordin Burgis has been awarded the BEM in the King’s New Years Honours List for services to the Jersey Sailing Community.
But that is not the only sport where Gordon has excelled and been an influence in the promotion of sport.
Gordon began his surfing career at St Ouen’s Bay on a longboard. In 1964 he travelled to Australia to represent Great Britain at the World Championships. That same decade he won two British surfing titles and two European Championships.
In the 1980s he was introduced to Hobie Cats whilst surfing in California and arranged for 5 boats to come to the Island. After initially being based at St Ouen, Hobie Racing was adopted by the Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club and the fleet now races regularly in St Aubin.
Although his award recognises his contribution to sailing, Gordon is also a champion of Squash and Racketball. He was introduced to squash when travelling in Australia in the 1960s. He has since represented Jersey at Inter Insulars level, competing in veterans’ tournaments, and claiming titles in multiple age categories as well as participating in coaching.
More recently he has been playing and coaching racketball and set up the Racketball Ouest League at Les Quennevais Sports Centre.
Oh, and he has also previously worked as a Ski Instructor in Austria.
Many Congratulations Gordon on your deserved award!