Gavin Simonds, originally selected with his brother Colin to represent Britain in the soling class in Moscow, told insidethegames that he and his fellow campaigners were "very disappointed" by the RYA's belated reply to their request, adding "we have been turned down more or less flat."

The RYA, which was one of four national sports governing bodies to support then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's insistence that the Games should be boycotted following Russia's invasion of Afghanistan, has invited sailors who were obliged not to compete in 1980 – without any consultation - to attend the Torch Ceremony at Weymouth, the 2012 sailing venue.

But that gesture has failed to placate the campaigners, who have released the following statement: "After many delays the Team have now received the RYA Council's formal response.

"It appears to  ignore a Parliamentary Early Day Motion expressing support for the sailors' campaign and strong requests from numerous members and the public.

"In it the RYA have declined to give up the opportunity to impose further unilateral boycott(s) on their Olympic squad and rejecting all other suggestions, proposed to invite the team to the Torch Ceremony at Weymouth.

"The Team view a vague and unenforceable promise to 'consult appropriately' as wholly inadequate protection for future sailors.

"They consider that boycotts are likely to be proposed again and that the RYA appears to have no plan - like other teams had even in 1980 - in case such political pressure happens again.

"They point out that among the many hard-earned experiences snatched from the Team in 1980 was the opportunity to attend the main opening ceremony.

"Furthermore that in 2008 the RYA promised in writing to invite the 1980 sailors to the Weymouth Olympic Opening Ceremony.

"The offer of attendance at a Torch Ceremony is no substitute.

"The RYA has argued that doing more for team members past and future is beyond their power.

"The Team feels that their current position demonstrates that they are not willing even to do that which is well within their power."

Colin Simonds, who said some team members had had medals "stolen from their grasp by the RYA", added: ''I spent 10 years campaigning to get to the Olympics – if it needs 10 years again I will find a way to get the right decisions made.

"We are now considering a range of further options, and are looking for even more public and RYA member support.

"We have had many emails of support to us and our campaign email address ([email protected]) of which a selection have already been forwarded to the RYA chief executive.

"We welcome more direct to the RYA or to us, and will pass them on. We MUST stop this happening again."

Jerry Richards, part of the 1980 470 crew, said: "It appears the RYA keep the right to make the same boycott decision the next time they are under political pressure, but have resolved only to try to handle it in a more courteous manner.

"How does that match up to their published mission to support sailing?

"Boycotts destroy most athletes' hopes and dreams – for life.

"Imagine a doctor or lawyer not being allowed to take the final exam, always wondering what they might have achieved."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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November 2011: Sailors forced to boycott Moscow 1980 call on RYA to recompense for "stolen medals"