The Martin A. Luray Award is presented to an individual or program for a notable contribution to promoting public access sailing on a national level.
Martin A. Luray was perhaps best known as a SAIL magazine editor. He was, to be sure, better known as a journalist than as a sailor. Yet in his role as a journalist he was a staunch advocate and courageous promoter of public access sailing. Marty distinguished himself as an Oracle of a new age in the ancient pastime of yachting. Time and again he used the power of the press to herald the ‘arrival’ of community sailing. Time and again he shared his expertise in the early years of Community Sailing Conferences.
Since his untimely passing in 1993, we’ve missed his wisdom, his insight, his way with words, and particularly his courage. To honor him, and others who walk in his footsteps, the Community Sailing Committee, with US Sailing’s blessing, created the Martin A. Luray Award – which we know today simply as “The Marty.”
The Marty is Community Sailing’s highest honor.
The Marty is presented to a deserving recipient who has made an outstanding and unselfish contribution to further public access sailing.
Previous Award Recipients
- 2023 – Jamie Jones
- 2022 – Jessica Koenig
- 2021 – John Manard
- 2020 – Not Awarded
- 2019 – Michael “Spike” Lobdell
- 2018 – Jen Guimaraes
- 2017 – Stephanie Webb
- 2016 – Jacob Raymond
- 2015 – Rob Crafa
- 2014 – John O’Flaherty
- 2013 – Stu Gilfillen
- 2012 – Cappy Capper
- 2011 – Morgan Collins
- 2010 – Marcel Beaudin
- 2009 – Diane Wenzel
- 2007 – Susan “Charlie” Arms
- 2006 – Harry Horgan
- 2005 – Kim Hapgood
- 2004 – Thacher Tiffany
- 2002 – Dave Rayner
- 2001 – Hart Kelley
- 2000 – Pat Giella
- 1999 – Walter Wheeler
- 1998 – Dick Pfund
- 1997 – John Kantor
- 1996 – Glen Brandenburg
- 1995 – Buzz Reynolds & Tom Barkley
- 1994 – Don Backe
- 1993 – Timmy Larr