The 54-year-old from Emsworth began working with the RYA as a coach in 1984, attending the 1988 Seoul and 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games as coach to the single-handed classes.
 
Derbyshire was the Olympic Manager for Sailing from 1996 to 2000 and managed the British sailing team at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, which brought home three gold and two silver medals making it the country's most successful sport. 

From 1994 to 2000, he was Ben Ainslie’s personal coach, with Ainslie going on to win gold in the Laser class at the Sydney Olympics.
 
Following Sydney, Derbyshire was appointed as the RYA’s performance director and racing manager, where he oversees the running of the junior, youth and Olympic classes programmes that are the envy of the world.
 
More recently in 2004 and 2008, Derbyshire was elected as chairman of the Performance Directors' Forum where he now plays a pivotal role in the development of world class sport across the UK, not just that of sailing.
 
Derbyshire said; “I’m really surprised and very flattered to be receiving an OBE - it’s quite a shock really.
 
"It's a great reflection on the sport of sailing and all the people who put so much time and effort in to it.

"I wouldn’t have been able to do what I’ve done without them so I’m flattered to be able to receive this on behalf of them and the sport.
 
"Without the unwavering support from my wife and family I wouldn’t have been able to commit the time I have to the sport so I am very appreciative of that - this is for them too."
 
Rod Carr, the chief executive of the RYA, said: "John is one of the unsung heroes of British sailing and thoroughly deserves this public accolade.
 
"His steady hand has guided the World Class Programme since 2000 and has made sure that our sailors don't rest on their laurels but push for even more success."


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December 2009: Tweddle awarded MBE in Queen's Honours List