FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
US Sailing Announces Winners of One Design, Adaptive, Education, and Training Awards at Sailing Leadership Forum 2025
Bristol, R.I. (February 9, 2025) — US Sailing is pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 One Design Awards, Adaptive Awards, and Training Awards, which were revealed at a celebratory award ceremony during the Sailing Leadership Forum in Coronado, California. These prestigious awards honor the individuals, teams, and organizations making outstanding contributions to the sport of sailing through leadership, innovation, and dedication to growth and accessibility.
One Design Awards
The One Design Awards celebrate excellence in one-design sailing, recognizing achievements across service, class management, event management, and creativity. This year’s honorees include:
- John H. Gardiner Jr. Trophy for One Design Service and Leadership: John Howell for exceptional Thistle Class Association Management
- One Design Club Award: Sandusky Sailing Club
- One Design Regatta Award: International Sunfish Class Association World Championship
- One Design Creativity Award: Maya Weber and Jenna Probst for the Lightning Class U32 Initiative
Adaptive Awards
The Adaptive Awards recognize the efforts of both individuals and organizations advancing adaptive sailing opportunities for sailors of all abilities. The Robie Pierce Award recognizes an outstanding program for sailors with disabilities and has made notable contributions to promote public access sailing for sailors with disabilities. The Gay S. Lynn Award honors an individual who has made an outstanding contribution for sailors with disabilities and the sport of adaptive sailing over a sustained period of time. This year’s winners include:
- Robbie Pierce Award for Outstanding Adaptive Sailing Program: Sail Maine: Michael McAllister – Executive Director; Ben Lewis – Director of Operations
- Gay S. Lynn Memorial Trophy: Christina Rubke
Training and Education Awards
The Training and Education Awards honor excellence in sailing education and coaching. The 2024 winners are:
- Captain Joe Prosser Award for Organizational Excellence in Sailing Instruction: Storm Trysail Club and Foundation
- Virgnia Long Sail Training Service & Support Award: Kevin Broome
- Timothea Larr Trophy: Karen Prioleau
Celebrating Excellence in Sailing Leadership
The award ceremony, held during the Sailing Leadership Forum in Coronado, California, brought together leaders and innovators from all corners of the sailing community to celebrate these remarkable achievements. The recipients embody US Sailing’s commitment to fostering participation, promoting accessibility, and supporting the growth of sailing across the nation.
About US Sailing
The United States Sailing Association (US Sailing), certified by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee as the National Governing Body for the sport of sailing in the United States, is dedicated to leading, advancing, supporting, and ensuring integrity in sailing at every level. Founded in 1897, US Sailing, now serving over 35,000 members as well as over 1,500 yacht clubs and sailing centers, offers training and certifications for sailors, instructors, and race officials, oversees national championships, manages offshore ratings, conducts regional and national events, and spearheads initiatives to increase accessibility. US Sailing also leads the training and development of the US Sailing Team for the Olympic Games and high-performance international competitions. More at www.ussailing.org.