Australian sailor Simon Hoffman was a guest of honour at the Irish Sailing Awards, where he was acknowledged for his crucial role in saving the life of Irishman and good friend Johnny Durcan.

Hoffman and another sailor, Santiago Alegre of Spain, were flown to Dublin for the ceremony, where they were presented with a President's Award by Irish Sailing chief Jack Roy.

During the 29er World Championship in Los Angeles last year, Hoffman and Alegre came to the aid of Durcan, who had become trapped underneath his boat and had stopped breathing. They helped revive Durcan, who has made a full recovery.

Tom Durcan, Johnny's father, was quoted in County Cork's Evening Echo newspaper saying the two young men performed "a selfless act in a big competition".

“Myself and my wife are unbelievably grateful to the lads. Words cannot describe it when your son of 17 years of age is basically dead and brought back to life," Mr Durcan said.

"They were competing against Johnny. He was ahead of them and without saying a word to anybody they dived off their boats and into the water to save the boys.

“In fairness, you couldn't ask any more of anyone. The sportsmanship of it was fantastic."

Read the Echo story here

And, read a story here from The Irish Times

Hoffman - who was presented the CYCA SOLAS Trusts Bravery Award at last year's Australian Sailing Awards - gave a radio interview, alongside Alegre and Durcan, shortly before the ceremony in Dublin. Click below.

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