The Nathanael G. Herreshoff Trophy is US Sailing’s most prestigious award. It was donated in 1957 by the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association and is awarded annually to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the sport of sailing in this country in any associated activity.
Mr. Herreshoff was one of the preeminent marine 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 which 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 to 1920, a span of 27 years. His success in the varied aspects in the industry earned him the nickname “The Wizard of Bristol.”
The recipient is selected by the Board of Directors from nominations made by US Sailing members.
2024 Nominations are now open. Please nominate today!
Deadline to nominate, September 15, 2024.
Previous Award Recipients
- 2023 – Bob Johnstone
- 2022 – Mitch Brindley
- 2021 – Gary Bodie
- 2020 – Chuck Hawley
- 2019 – Dave Perry
- 2018 – Thomas & Barbara Farquhar
- 2017 – Malin Burnham
- 2016 – Hunt & Betsy Lawrence
- 2015 – Mary Savage
- 2014 – Stan Honey
- 2013 – Dave Irish
- 2012 – Dick Rose
- 2011 – David D. Rosekrans
- 2010 – James P. Muldoon
- 2009 – Terry Kohler
- 2008 – Roy E. Disney
- 2007 – Bob Hobbs
- 2006 – Susie Trotman
- 2005 – Lawrence A. White
- 2004 – Not Presented
- 2003 – Bill Martin
- 2002 – Faye R. Bennet
- 2001 – Andrew Kostanecki
- 2000 – Carl Eichenlaub
- 1999 – Gary Jobson
- 1998 – Arthur J. Wullschleger
- 1997 – Frederick D. King*
- 1996 – Helen Ingerson
- 1995 – Cy Gillette
- 1994 – William Bentsen
- 1993 – C. Gaither Scott
- 1992 – Timothea S. Larr
- 1991 – William H. Lynn*
- 1990 – Charles M. Kober
- 1989 – James M. Schoonmaker, II
- 1988 – Dick McCurdy
- 1987 – Mark Baxter*
- 1986 – Lynn G. Stedman, Jr.
- 1985 – Arthur Knapp, Jr.
- 1984 – Samuel V. Merrick
- 1983 – Harman Hawkins
- 1982 – Richard S. Latham
- 1981 – Roger W. Brett
- 1980 – Patrick E. Haggarty
- 1979 – Henry H. Anderson, Jr.
- 1978 – Theodore E. Tolson, Jr.
- 1977 – W. Van Alan Clark, Jr.
- 1976 – Cornelius Shields
- 1975 – Robert N. Bavier, Jr.
- 1974 – William S. Cox
- 1973 – George Hinman
- 1972 – Harry C. Melges, Jr.
- 1971 – J. Amory Jeffries
- 1970 – F. Gregg Bemis
- 1969 – Paul H. Smart
- 1968 – Harold Sterling Vanderbuilt
- 1967 – Everett B. Morris
- 1966 – Allegra Knapp Mertz
- 1965 – Leonard Mumm Fowle
- 1964 – Olin J. Stephens, II
- 1963 – R.S. Stevenson
- 1962 – Julian K. Roosevelt
- 1961 – James N. Trenary
- 1960 – George D. O’Day
- 1958 – Henry S. Morgan
- 1957 – Henry Sears
* awarded posthumously