The US Sailing Awards were celebrated last month at St. Francis Yacht Club. SAYRA has a lot to be proud of! Conner Blouin (College of Charleston) was a finalist for the 2021 Rolex Sailor of the Year. Martine Zurinskas (LLSC) was awarded the President's Award for her contributions to US Sailing's Board of Directors and Dora McGee (LLSC) was awarded the John D. Gardiner One Design Service Award. When you see these guys, please congratulate them on these huge honors and for representing their clubs and SAYRA on the big stage!
Finalist for Rolex Sailor of the Year, Conner Blouin (Charleston, SC)
The 2021 Sunfish North American Champion, Blouin also finished 3rd at the 100 boat Sunfish World Championships. Additionally, he won the US Sailing Championship of Champions, as well as the WASZP North American Championship. SAYRA celebrates Conner on this recognition! and being a finalist!
US Sailing President’s Award, Martine Zurinskas (Alpharetta, GA)
Martine Zurinskas has been a long serving volunteer to the sailing community across all levels – local, regional, and national. Zurinskas has been the voice of local clubs and regional associations in the Southeast, keeping the US Sailing board informed of their needs. Zurinskas served US Sailing at one of the most tentative times in the organization’s history. She oversaw total revision of bylaws and regulations, replacement of the leadership staff over two years, and an unprecedented number of Board Action Requests as the entire organization was reinvented. According to Cory Sertl, President of the Board for Zurinskas’ tenure, “Martine was the glue that held the Board together for her 6 years. Her commitment to being on top of all US Sailing programs and committees is a special quality of super volunteers!”
The John D. Gardiner One Design Service Award, Dora McGee (Cumming, GA)
For nearly half of its 50-year existence, the Catalina 22 National Association has subsisted on the service of Dora McGee. Fondly called the “mother hen” of the class by many of its 525 members, McGee has served in many roles, most recently as secretary and treasurer. Beyond the Catalina 22 class, McGee is involved in organizing and working on many different events in the Southeast across and wide range of classes. McGee often serves on race committee, where her calm demeanor belies her expectation of perfection in race management and sailor support.
Full article on the US Sailing website can be found HERE.
