Historical information
Following the death of Past Commodore John Crosbie in 1986, his long time friend from College days, Club member George Silley, was left a sum of money with which he was to handle John’s affairs. This George Silley was reluctant to accept, and in turn he offered half each to both R.M.Y.S. and R.B.Y.C. for the purchase of suitable Perpetual Trophies.
The conditions agreed upon at R.M.Y.S were:-
1. The trophy to be named ‘Commodore John W. Crosbie Perpetual Trophy’.
2. To be awarded annually for: ‘The Club member of the year for his contribution to the Squadron’s Activities’.
3. Recipients of the Trophy must be nominated and seconded by Members of the Squadron. Selection criteria to be determined by the Committee, Flag Officers and General Committee.
On receipt of the Trophy, April 1987, the Squadron then had it suitably engraved to George Silley’s liking by the Squadron’s engraver. In his modesty, for personal reasons, George Silley did not wish to be recognized as the donor. This agreement was not strictly adhered to, as evidenced in Annual Reports for the years 1990 and 1991, both of which rightfully credit G.A. Silley as being the donor.
In 1988, for reasons unknown, and contrary to the donor’s conditions agreed upon, a further and as it turned out, erroneous inscription not to George Silley’s liking was added to the Trophy, as above.
The first recipient of the Award was Les Williams in season 1986/1987.
The award is by nomination from a Proposer and Seconder. General Committee then reviews the nominations received.
Physical description
Deep sectioned silver bowl standing 230mm high to flared lip edge, on thick sectioned stem with annular ring about mid-section, flaring out to shaped, stepped footing. Has large shaped handles, top attachment in form of seahorse heads. Mounted on 85mm high round black base, flaring out to stepped, shaped footing. Silver winners’ inscription band around diameter.
Inscriptions & markings
Inscription on one side 1987
COMMODORE JOHN W. CROSBIE
PERPETUAL TROPHY
AWARDED TO THE
CLUB MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Erroneously added 1988
PRESENTED BY
JOHN W. CROSBIE
MEMBER ROYAL MELBOURNE YACHT SQUADRON 1934-86
COMMODORE 1970 -72
HONORARY LIFE MEMBER
