Treen Morris

Born in 1944, Treen “Curly Morris” has had a long and distinguished association with sailing as both a competitor and administrator. A former pupil of Larne Grammar School, he began sailing at the age of 13 and built his first boat in 1959, “The Sharpey.” As a top athlete he represented Ireland in no fewer than 23 World, European and other major international championships. His successes include Helmsman’s Championship of Ireland in 1967 and the Irish Finn Championship in 1969 and 1975.

As well as competing and coaching, Morris was heavily involved in administration as a sailing secretary at East Antrim Boat Club, nationally during the formation of the Olympic Committee of the Irish Yachting Association, and internationally as a member of the technical committee of the International Optimist Dinghy Association and member of the IODA Executive Committee. In 2004 the RYA President, HRH The Princess Royal, presented the RYA Awards to Morris, recognizing his invaluable and outstanding contributions to the world of boating. He is also an expert as a hematology consultant and received an OBE in 2008 for services to medicine.