Mike Golding received his OBE from the Queen at an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace yesterday. Mike was awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours List for services to the sport of sailing – notably his recent Southern Ocean rescue of fellow Brit Alex Thompson afterHugo Bosssuffered keel failure during the Velux 5 Oceans.

An ex-fireman, Mike has raced some 250,000 miles around the world. He has had five circumnavigations and currently holds four world records, as well as being the IMOCA and FICO World Champion, the former for the second year in succession.

Mike was joined at the Palace by his wife Andrea and his parents.

RYA Chief Executive Rod Carr, who received his own OBE for services to the sport in last year’s honours, said:

“Mike is a truly outstanding offshore sailor who ranks among the very best in the world. He is a popular competitor both at home and abroad, where he is renowned for his tenacity, dogged determination and outstanding seamanship. His contribution to the sport has been immense.’

For more information visit www.mikegolding.com