The John Leigh Memorial Shield is described in the publication “A Sailing-boat Club at Port Adelaide” (Author John Couper-Smartt) on page 262:
“In August 1978, Treasurer John Leigh donated $400 to the club with the request that it be used to purchase trophies.
John Leigh served as both Honorary Secretary and Treasurer of the club, holding both positions for several years. He was elected as a Life Member in 1980. Since 1985 the John Leigh Memorial Trophy has been awarded to the winner of the first race of each season.