Contact:
Marlieke de Lange Eaton
401-683-0800
US SAILING AWARDS HERRESHOFF TROPHY TO BOB HOBBS
Phoenix, Ariz. (October 26, 2007) – US SAILING, national governing body
of the sport, has awarded its prestigious Nathanael G. Herreshoff Trophy to
Bob Hobbs (East Hartford, Conn.) for his outstanding contributions to the
sport of sailing in the U.S. over many years. Hobbs was presented with the
Trophy by US SAILING past President Dave Rosekrans and Secretary Fred
Hagedorn earlier this evening at an awards banquet at US SAILING’s Annual
Meeting in Phoenix, Ariz. To a standing ovation, Hobbs accepted the award.
Hobbs' involvement with US SAILING spans over three decades, during which he
held various volunteer positions, including president (1991-'94), Olympic
Sailing Committee Chairman (1996-2000), US Sailing Foundation President and
Trustee, Chairman of the Inshore Committee, Training Committee member, and
many more. As president, Hobbs clearly made it a priority to travel to
countless events to represent the organization: during his three-year term,
Hobbs spent a mere total of 13 weekends at home.
It's not only Hobbs's extensive US SAILING involvement that has earned him
this prestigious award. Since he first learned to sail while a graduate
student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Hobbs has made sailing
a part of his life. Before becoming involved with US SAILING, he was a major
force at the Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association (ICSA). He served as a
Judge at the ICSA National Championship for 26 consecutive years and was
that organization's Executive Vice President for nearly a decade. Every
year, the organization awards the Robert H. Hobbs Sportsmanship Trophy.
About the Nathanael G. Herreshoff Trophy
The Nathanael G. Herreshoff Trophy was donated to US SAILING in 1957 by the
National Marine Manufacturers Association and is awarded annually to an
individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the sport of sailing
in this country. The recipient is selected by US SAILING’s Board of
Directors from nominations made by members of the Board, Committee Chairs,
past Presidents and Counselors of Honor.
Mr. Herreshoff was one of the preeminent designers and builders of his time.
Born in Bristol, R.I., in 1848, "Captain Nat" was a mechanical genius with a
love for boats. He learned building techniques from the old craftsmen of
Bristol, studied mechanical engineering at M.I.T., and began an
unprecedented career that included many innovations in the design and
construction of military, commercial and pleasure craft, both steam-powered
and sail. Perhaps his greatest feat was designing and building yachts that
successfully defended the America’s Cup in six consecutive matches from 1893
through 1920, a span of 27 years. His success in the varied aspects of the
industry earned him the nickname, "The Wizard of Bristol."
About US SAILING
The United States Sailing Association (US SAILING) is the national governing
body for sailing. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Portsmouth, Rhode
Island, the organization provides leadership for the sport of sailing in the
United States. US SAILING offers training and education programs for
instructors and race officials, supports a wide range of sailing
organizations and communities, issues offshore rating certificates, and
provides administration and oversight of competitive sailing across the
country, including National Championships and the U.S. Olympic and
Paralympic Sailing Teams. For more information, please visit
www.ussailing.org.
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