The Mount Haes Trophy

Probably the most prestigious trophy awarded at the National Regatta is the impressive Mount-Haes Trophy. It was donated by the late Captain Eric Mount-Haes RN (retired) one of her Majesty's inspectors on the Sea and Air panel of the then Ministry of Education. In the early days of the regattas, crews were entered through County or Local Associations and his deed of gift was that "each County Association or constituent body be invited to enter a crew (or crews) to race in a class of dinghy decided at the regatta". It was first awarded in 1963 to a certain Martyn Styles and crew from Kent Association at the regatta held at Pitsford Northants.

Captain Mount-Haes was a tireless worker for any aspect of nautical studies and he was very much involved with the formation of N.S.S.A. through the organisation of courses, and the recognition of the aims and objectives of the Association at the Ministry. He also helped considerably in setting up the National Sailing Base at Cowes, and the appointment of a National Coach, Bob Bond, in 1969.

At N.S.S.A. committee meeting he was a familiar and well liked member and his comments, made in his incisive manner, and with his twinkling eyes were always of great value.

N.S.S.A. was obviously very close to his heart, but his other great crusade was to promote the use of the old man-of-war built in 1817 - ex HMS Foudroyaut as a training ship for young people. At that time she was afloat in Portsmouth Harbour in need of costly repairs. Eric Mount-Haes undertook the task of raising money, he travelled extensively, not only in this Country but also abroad, extolling the virtues of the Foudroyaut. Eventually, however, she was taken from Portsmouth and disappeared "up North" and is now emerging from a comprehensive rebuilding programme as H.M.S. Trincomalee the centrepiece of the Hartlepool Heritage Centre.

There are numerous anecdotes about Captain Mount-Haes; his enthusiasm for film making with what he called "The Ministry's cine camera". From recollection parts were secured with whipping twine, but he managed to make an epic entitled "Messing about in Boats".

He was a member of the Royal Yacht Squadron and was instrumental in persuading the Secretary to arrange a visit for the Owen Aisher Award winners during their stay at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club. This visit was continued annually until, unfortunately, the event ceased. (now the Presidents Award)

N.S.S.A. still owes a lot to Captain Mount-Haes for his support in the early days, we were all saddened by his death a few years ago but his name still lives on through his trophy and 'his' ship has a new lease of life.

Contributed by Terry White to the 1994 Regatta programme.