The Gay S. Lynn Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to a person that is selected by the Para Sailing Committee as having made an outstanding contribution for sailors with disabilities and the sport of adaptive sailing over a sustained period of time.
The late Gay S. Lynn was a major supporter of adaptive sailing for many years. Gay was a passionate advocate of disabled sailing and due in part to her efforts, disabled sailing has touched the lives of many people. She was a racing judge and Jury Chief at many international disabled sailing events, including world championships and Special Olympics. Gay served on the US Sailing Sailors with Special Needs Committee, now called the Para Sailing Committee.
This is the highest award given by the Para Sailing Committee and is presented at the Sailing Leadership Forum or National Sailing Programs Symposium.
Nominations Close December 13, 2024
Previous Award Recipients
- 2022 – Deborah Mellen
- 2022 – Lance Hinrichs
- 2021 – Ernest Brody
- 2019 – Spencer Raggio
- 2018 – Ed “Buttons” Padin, Siobhan Reilly & Bill Sanderg
- 2017 – Judy Clagett McLennan
- 2016 – Rick Doerr
- 2015 – Jen French & Warrior Sailing Program
- 2014 – Arthur O’Neill
- 2013 – Magnus Liljedahl
- 2012 – Harry R. Horgan & Shake-A-Leg Miami
- 2011 – Matthew Chao
- 2010 – Linda Merkle
- 2009 – Betsy Alison
- 2008 – Hugh Elliot
- 2007 – Keith Burhans
- 2006 – Urban Miyares
- 2005 – Gene Hinkel
- 2004 – Robie Pierce
- 2003 – Judd Goldman Sailing Foundation & Peter Goldman