The W. Van Alan Clark, Jr. National Sportsmanship Award is presented annually to recognize an individual, club or association within sailing who best exemplifies the values and spirit of sportsmanship. Given the largely voluntary nature of our administrative and on-the-water resources and self-policing nature of the racing rules, sportsmanship is essential to the value system of our sport. Furthermore, sportsmanship is an essential component of any successful sailing career.
Additional Information
We ask that you send us a story about someone, or some club or association, who you think is deserving of this recognition. “Sportsmanship” can mean different things to different people. One way to think of it is “who do you enjoy racing against, or being beaten by, and why”…and then send us an example of that person in action.
US Sailing is looking for examples to elevate the sportsmanlike actions of these people, clubs or associations; so please, send us your story or idea, no matter how small. Send stories to sportsmanship@ussailing.org or make a nomination online.
Previous Award Recipients
- 2018 – Shelby Hatcher
- 2017 – Not given
- 2016 – Not given
- 2015 – Christopher Williford
- 2014 – Peter Frey
- 2013 – Not given
- 2012 – Not given
- 2011 – Not given
- 2010 – Rasmus Sayre (Vineyard Haven, MA)
- 2009 – John Mollicone (East Greenwich, RI)
- 2008 – Nick Scandone
- 2007 – Not given
- 2006 – J.D. Reddaway (Suwanee, GA)
- 2005 – Midshipman Greg Storer (Annapolis, MD/ Branford, CT)
- 2004 – Frederick “Bo” Smith (Birmingham, Ala.)
- 2003 – Olin J. Stephens (Hanover, NH)
- 2002 – Henry Maxwell, Jr. (Stonington, CT)
- 2001 – George Fisher (Columbus, OH)
- 2000 – Dave Perry (Southport, CT)
- 1999 – William B. Ross (Mooresville, NC)
- 1998 – Joey Harris (Chicago, IL)
- 1997 – Gonzalo Diaz Sr. (Miami, FL)
- 1996 – Richard W. Besse (Skaneateles, NY)
- 1995 – Harry Carpenter (Oakland, MD)
- 1994 – Jessica Uniack (Huntington Beach, CA)
- 1993 – Newport Harbor HS Sailing Team (Newport Beach, CA)
- 1992 – George Antarr (Marina del Rey, CA)
- 1991 – Dick Ronan (Larchmont, NY)
- 1990 – Scott Steele (Annapolis, MD)
- 1989 – John Odenbach, Sr. (Penfield, NY)
- 1988 – Runyon Colie (Mantoloking, NJ)
- 1987 – Hub Isaacks (Ft. Worth, TX)
- 1986 – Buddy Melges (Zenda, WI)