Established in 1961 by US SAILING and sponsored by Rolex Watch U.S.A. since 1980, the Yachtsman of the Year award recognizes one male sailor for his individual outstanding on-the-water achievement within the calendar year; the Yachtswoman of the Year award recognizes one female sailor for her individual outstanding on-the-water achievement within the calendar year. These prestigious awards are viewed by the sail-racing industry as among the nation's top sailing distinctions. A slate of nominees, determined by the membership of US SAILING, is presented to a panel of accomplished sailing journalists, who together discuss the merits of each nominee and then vote to determine the ultimate winners.

Established in 1961 by US SAILING and sponsored by Rolex Watch U.S.A. since 1980, the Yachtsman of the Year award recognizes one male sailor for his individual outstanding on-the-water achievement within the calendar year; the Yachtswoman of the Year award recognizes one female sailor for her individual outstanding on-the-water achievement within the calendar year. These prestigious awards are viewed by the sail-racing industry as among the nation's top sailing distinctions. A slate of nominees, determined by the membership of US SAILING, is presented to a panel of accomplished sailing journalists, who together discuss the merits of each nominee and then vote to determine the ultimate winners.

Martin A. Luray was perhaps best known as a SAIL magazine editor. He was, to be sure, better known as a journalist than as a sailor. Yet in his role as a journalist he was a staunch advocate and courageous promoter of public access sailing. Marty distinguished himself as an Oracle of a new age in the ancient pastime of yachting. Time and again he used the power of the press to herald the 'arrival' of community sailing. Time and again he shared his expertise in the early years of Community Sailing Conferences. Since his untimely demise in 1993 we’ve missed his wisdom, his insight, his way with words and particularly his courage. To honor him, and others who walk in his footsteps, the Community Sailing Council, with US SAILING's blessing, created the Martin A. Luray Award - which we know today simply as The Marty.

The Outstanding Director of a New Program Award is given annually to an individual that has made notable contributions to promote public access sailing in the development of a new program.

The Outstanding Director of a Year-Round Program Award is given annually to an individual that has made notable contributions to promote public access sailing in the development and organization of a year-round program.

The Outstanding Director of a Seasonal Program Award is given annually to an individual that has made notable contributions to promote public access sailing in the development and organization of a seasonal program.

The Outstanding Organizational Support Award is given annually to an individual that has made notable contributions to promote public access sailing in the development and organization of a program.

The Excellence in Instruction Award is given annually to an individual that has made notable contributions to promote public access sailing by instructing sailing at a program.

The Outstanding Contributions to the Development of Community Sailing Award is given annually to an individual that has made notable contributions to promote public access sailing in the development and organization of a program, facility, or in the development of curriculum and safety plans for a program.

The Creative Innovation in Sailing Programming Award is given annually to an individual or program that has made notable contributions to promote public access sailing in the development of new and different forms of teaching sailing.

The Outstanding Outreach and Inclusion Award is given annually to a Program Director or Program that has made notable contributions to promote public access sailing by finding and including people in their program that would normally have no access to sailing.

The Outstanding Year-Round Program Award is given annually to a program that has made notable contributions to promote public access sailing.

The Outstanding Seasonal Program Award is given annually to a program that has made notable contributions to promote public access sailing.

The Outstanding New Program Award is given annually to a program that has made notable contributions to promote public access sailing in its first year.

The More than 10 Years of Hallmark Performance Award is given annually to a program that has made notable contributions to promote public access sailing for ten years or more.

The Outstanding Program for Disabled Sailors Award is given annually to a program that has made notable contributions to promote public access sailing for people with disabilities.

The Outstanding Leadership Award is given annually to an individual that has made notable contributions to promote public access sailing by leading the development and organization of a program.

The John H. Gardiner Jr. Trophy recognizes distinguished service and leadership in the promotion of one-design sailing and class organization.

In recognition of individual initiative, enthusiasm, organizing ability and leadership in creating the outstanding fleet building program.

To recognize administrative excellence, fleet growth, creative programming, regatta support, member contribution -- at regional, national and international levels -- of the one-design yacht club of the year.

To recognize excellence in development, promotion, and management by organizers and sponsors of the year's outstanding MULTI-CLASS REGIONAL regatta.

To recognize outstanding individual creativity and contribution to the year's most innovative one design event of national or international significance.

A US SAILING perpetual trophy - a bronze 12” Herreshoff signal canon mounted on a teak base - awarded to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the sport of sailing in the field of Race Administration (Judging, Race Management, Appeals and Racing Rules).

The Gay S. Lynn Memorial Trophy recognizes outstanding service, over a significant period of time to disabled sailing and disabled sailors in the United States. The trophy may be awarded to a volunteer, a professional, or an organization. In 2003, the trophy was awarded for the first time. The recipients were Peter Goldman and the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation.

The Captain Joe Prosser Award is awarded at US SAILING's National Sailing Programs Symposium in cooperation with the United States Merchant Marine Academy's Sail Training Program (Kings Point, NY). This award was created to recognize the life achievement of the Merchant Marine Academy's first sailing master, Captain C.A. "Joe" Prosser, USMS, and includes a credit towards instructor training for the recipient organization. The award may be to an organization which has, in the opinion of the US SAILING Training Committee, made an exemplary contribution toward improving the quality and safety in the training or instruction of sailors.

The Sail Training Service and Support Award in honor of Virginia Long would honor individuals who, through their efforts, unselfishly assist and enable a sailing program or sailing instruction in a supportive role.

To recognize a person whose vision and guidance have made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of sailor education in the United States.

At our annual meeting, US SAILING recognizes an individual who has been an outstanding US SAILING C.R.E.W. member. If you know of a staff member or volunteer who consistently demonstrates the values expressed in the agreement, we would like to hear about it. These are:
1. Commitment to exceptional service
2. Respect for each other
3. Expectations of excellence, and
4. Working together well.

 Nominations are accepted year round. Nominations must be received at least 30 days before that meeting.