FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
US Sailing Announces 2024 Community Sailing Award Winners at Sailing Leadership Forum 2025
Bristol, R.I. (February 9, 2025) — US Sailing is proud to announce the winners of the 2024 Community Sailing Awards, which were presented during an inspiring ceremony at the Sailing Leadership Forum in Coronado, California. 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.
Community Sailing Awards
This year’s honorees represent a diverse range of achievements, including program innovation, leadership, and volunteer contributions:
- 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 Community Sailing New Orleans 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 Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center in 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, particularly at Edison Sailing Center in Florida.
- Martin A. Luray Award (“The Marty”): Charlie Zechel of Community Boating, Inc. in Massachusetts for his enduring impact on community sailing, embodying the spirit of dedication and service that this prestigious award represents.
Celebrating Community Sailing Leaders
The Community Sailing Awards recognize the efforts of those who tirelessly work to make sailing a sport for all. The award recipients were celebrated for their contributions to breaking down barriers to access, fostering innovation, and building vibrant, inclusive sailing communities across the country.
Download photos from the Awards here: US Sailing Community Sailing Awards
To explore past recipients of the Community Sailing Awards and all of US Sailing’s prestigious honors, visit our website: US Sailing Awards.
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About US Sailing
The United States Sailing Association (US Sailing), certified by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee as the National Governing Body for the sport of sailing in the United States, is dedicated to leading, advancing, supporting, and ensuring integrity in sailing at every level. Founded in 1897, US Sailing, now serving over 35,000 members as well as over 1,500 yacht clubs and sailing centers, offers training and certifications for sailors, instructors, and race officials, oversees national championships, manages offshore ratings, conducts regional and national events, and spearheads initiatives to increase accessibility. US Sailing also leads the training and development of the US Sailing Team for the Olympic Games and high-performance international competitions. More at www.ussailing.org.
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