RYA Northern Ireland Hall of Fame: Mike Hendra (MBE)

Sailors meet at the Harbour Commissioner’s Office in Belfast as RYA Northern Ireland celebrates its 50th Anniversary
29 Oct 24
hall of fame mike

Mike Hendra (MBE) has become the latest inductee to the RYA Northern Ireland Hall of Fame, after the achievements of several Northern Irish sailors were recognised at the RYA Northern Ireland 50th Anniversary Dinner in Belfast on 18 October.

Mike has been one of the key driving forces behind the foundation and development of Sailability in Northern Ireland.

He was an accomplished sailor and won the fireball British Nationals at the age of 18, but shortly after this, he developed a tumour in his spine and lost the power in his lower limbs.

Despite this adversity, Mike’s passion for sailing endured and in 1996 he qualified for the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta. He was also one of the founding members of Sailability in Northern Ireland, working closely with Doug Smith and Bob Harper MBE.

His work has helped inspire others to become involved in the sport and he has left an undeniable legacy which will last for many years to come.

Sadly, Mike passed away on Sunday 22 September at the age of 77, so he was unable to collect the award. He did however hear of his induction prior to his death and was delighted to receive this accolade.

On the night, the award was accepted by Mike’s nephew Phillip and Linda Docherty.

Mike now joins a small and very exclusive club of individuals who have all made an impact in different areas of our sport.

Decisions on who is inducted into the RYA Northern Ireland Hall of Fame are made collectively by the RYA NI Chair, RYA NI Vice Chair, RYA NI Chair of the Performance Committee, Chair of Development Committee, the CEO and one independent member/Chair.

The current Hall of Fame is as follows:

  • Maeve Bell OBE
  • Bill O’Hara OBE
  • James Nixon
  • Curly Morris
  • Peter Kennedy
  • Bob Harper MBE
  • Ron Hutchison
  • Brian Black
  • Mike Hendra MBE