As the holiday season brings thoughts of giving, some sailors are proving that generosity and sportsmanship extend well beyond the racecourse. This year, two teams who received the Corinthian Spirit Award at New York Yacht Club chose to spread cheer by donating their prize—$3,000 worth of Helly Hansen gear—to community sailing programs that help make the sport more accessible.
The Corinthian Spirit Award recognizes competitors who embody kindness, sportsmanship, and a positive attitude during intense competition. But what happened off the water is what truly captures the essence of giving back. The team comprised of Heidi Backus Riddle and her sisters, who won this accolade at the New York Yacht Club Women’s Championship, decided to use their winnings to support The Foundry Community Rowing and Sailing Center in Cleveland, Ohio. The Foundry introduces thousands of youth to sailing each year, and their donation will help break down barriers to entry, ensuring more young sailors have the gear they need to thrive.
In a similar spirit, the Little Traverse Yacht Club team, who earned the Corinthian Spirit Award at the 2024 Resolute Cup, directed their prize earnings to Little Traverse Sailors in Harbor Springs, Michigan. This program has been fostering a love for sailing for over 60 years and is committed to making the sport accessible regardless of socioeconomic background. The donated gear will bolster their J/70 training program, helping sailors of all ages develop their skills and confidence on the water.
“These acts of generosity are a shining example of how the sailing community can spread holiday joy,” says Henry Brauer, President of US Sailing. “By supporting local programs, these sailors are ensuring that the next generation has the opportunity to experience the thrill of sailing and the values it instills. This holiday season, their spirit of giving inspires us all to find ways to share our love of the sport with others.”
After all, the true prize isn’t always a trophy—sometimes, it’s the joy of lifting others up and keeping the winds of opportunity in their sails.