US Sailing has announced the winners of the 2024 Community Sailing Awards. They were presented during a ceremony at the Sailing Leadership Forum in Coronado, Calif., on Feb. 9.
“These awards honor exceptional individuals and organizations that have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation and dedication to fostering community sailing programs and expanding access to the sport,” US Sailing said in a statement. The award recipients were celebrated for their contributions to breaking down barriers to access, fostering innovation and building vibrant, inclusive sailing communities.
This year’s honorees represent a range of achievements including program innovation, leadership and volunteer contributions. They are as follows:
- Creative Innovations in Programming Award: Community Boating, Inc. in Massachusetts for implementing groundbreaking programs that have positively impacted their sailing community.
- Outstanding Program Director: Khari Parrish of New Orleans Community Sailing in Louisiana for demonstrating vision and operational excellence in managing a community sailing program.
- Outstanding Community Sailing Program: Park City Sailing Association in Utah for providing accessible, inclusive, and high-quality sailing opportunities that have made a meaningful difference in their community.
- Outstanding Organizational Leader: Owen Milne of Community Sailing Center of Lake Champlain, Vermont for exceptional leadership and guidance that has strengthened their organization and inspired their community.
- Jim Kilroy Outstanding Outreach & Inclusion Award: Minneapolis Sailing Center in Minnesota for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through community sailing initiatives.
- 10 Years of Hallmark Service: Gig Harbor Junior Sailing in Washington for a decade of dedicated service and commitment to the success and growth of community sailing programs.
- Volunteer of the Year: Carol Robinson for her selfless dedication and countless hours of service to support community sailing.
- Martin A. Luray Award (“The Marty”): Charlie Zechel of Community Boating in Massachusetts for his enduring impact on community sailing, embodying the spirit of dedication and service that this prestigious award represents.
