NJYRA 2024 Awards Celebration Honors Champions of Sailing

NJYRA 2024 Awards Celebration Honors Champions of Sailing

On Sunday, January 19, 2024, the North Jersey Yacht Racing Association (NJYRA) gathered at the historic Keyport Yacht Club to host its annual Awards Ceremony. This event celebrated the exceptional achievements of sailors from across New Jersey, recognizing their excellence in competitive sailing while honoring the dedication, skill, and sportsmanship that define the state's vibrant sailing community..

Outgoing Commodore Stuart Van Winkle and Commodore Bob Markoff officiated the ceremony, announcing and presenting awards to the evening’s champions. Their leadership highlighted the NJYRA’s dedication to fostering competitive excellence and celebrating the enduring spirit of sailing.

Among the standout recipients were Dave Watts (MBC), the Laser Champion; Cole & Kaleigh Barney (MBC), MC Scow Champions; and Shane and Eloise Landau (SSYC), who secured the C420 title. The versatile Jack Swikart (SSYC) took home both the Comet Championship and the coveted US Sailing Champion of Champions award, while Emily Haig (LEHYC) was named the Melges 15 Champion. Mathew Black and Drew Defonzo (LEHYC) were recognized as the C420 States Champions.

Other honorees excelled in categories ranging from Opti Green to PHRF Spinnaker, showcasing the broad talent within NJYRA's member clubs.

The following sailors and teams were also celebrated for their top performances in their respective divisions:

• Flying Scot: Bernard & Andrea Friel (MBC)
• Catamaran Portsmouth: Bill Raschka (SHBCC)
• Men's Senior Portsmouth: Phil Arnheiter (SSYC)
• PHRF Cruising: Darren Meah (RYC)
• PHRF Spinnaker: T. Sinatra (RYC)
• Thistle: Patrick Flynn, Makielski, Barbehen (LHYC)
• Opti Red: Luca Gesell (Rumson CC YC)
• Opti White: Albert King (MBC)
• Opti Blue: Thomas Walsh (MBC)
• Opti Green: Liam Hansen (SSYC)
• Ms. Race Women's Spinnaker: Ann Myer (RYC)
• Ms. Race Women's Non-Spinnaker: Diane Kropfl (AHYC)
• Mariner: Tom & Tommy Green (SCYC)
• Sunfish Senior: Tom Boulden (SBYC)
• Sunfish Junior: Emmie Fleming (Haven Beach)
• Catamaran A-Cat: Mark Miller (LHYC)
• Hobie 16: Greg Raybon (SHBCC)
• NJYRA Alter Cup: Mark Modderman (SHBCC)
• Sanderling B-Cat: Bob Rizzitello (SCYC)
• Woodpussy: Taugh Lynch (MBC)
• E-Scow: JB Maschel (LEHYC)
• J105: Brian Nelson (AHYC)
• Laser ICLA 4: Daniel Kiamie (SCYC)
• Laser ICLA 6: Mike Hecky (BBYC)
• Laser ICLA 7: Eric Reitinger (BBYC)
• Radio-Controlled Laser: Frank Scalisi (MBC)
• Star: Brian Murphy (LHYC)

The ceremony culminated with the presentation of two prestigious accolades: the NJYRA High Point Award and the Fay Bennett Junior Sailing Trophy. The NJYRA High Point Award evaluates sailors' performances across numerous events throughout the year. In a rare outcome, Monmouth Boat Club (MBC) and Surf City Yacht Club (SCYC) tied for the High Point Club Award, with both clubs receiving the honor.

The Faye Bennett Junior Sailing Trophy, established by the North Jersey Yacht Racing Association in 2009, honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the growth and support of junior sailing. Named after the late Faye Bennett, a trailblazer in sailing and a champion for women's and junior sailing programs, this award recognizes program administrators, instructors, parents, or volunteers nominated by their clubs. This year's recipient, Rachel Rhame, exemplifies the spirit of the award with her remarkable leadership and dedication as the current chair of the Junior Program at Shrewsbury Sailing Yacht Club (SSYC). Her extensive resume includes designing and managing sailing programs across the United States and internationally, creating the innovative "Rocking the Boat" program for South Bronx high school students, and establishing the first Bermudian national sailing instructor certification system. Rhame's innovative programs reflect her dedication to fostering the next generation of sailors.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Keyport Yacht Club, the ceremony brought together sailors, families, and supporters to celebrate the shared passion for competitive sailing. It was a reminder of the vibrant community that NJYRA fosters, uniting individuals of all ages in a love for the sport.

For more information about NJYRA and its events, visit https://njyra.org/

About NJYRA

The North Jersey Yacht Racing Association promotes sailing across the state, fostering competitive excellence and a lifelong appreciation for the sport. Through its annual programs and events, NJYRA encourages sportsmanship, skill development, and camaraderie within the sailing community.