US SAILING, national governing body of the sport, has awarded its Nathanael G. Herreshoff Trophy to Susie Trotman (Syosset, N.Y.) for her outstanding contribution to the sport of sailing in the U.S. Trotman was presented with the Trophy, US SAILING's most prestigious award, by US SAILING's President Janet Baxter this evening at an awards banquet at US SAILING's Annual Meeting in Newport, R.I. To a standing ovation, Trotman accepted the award.

Susie Trotman has played a major role in the development of the national certification program for sailing instructors when the small boat program was first created in the early 1980s. She was instrumental in the cultivation of US SAILING's Training Department and Training's Small Boat Instructor Training and Certification Program. Her enthusiasm, dedication, and commitment helped foster the program's growth by promoting and managing 20 annual Small Boat courses with 300 instructor candidates in the North East and around the country.

When the Small Boat Instructor Training program was complete and running on its own, Trotman jumped right into other projects. She has helped to create the Keelboat Certification System and to keep the Windsurfing program up and running, has supported the coaching program and championed the training program for competent and safe powerboating. Beyond Trotman's involvement with US SAILING, she has been a pillar of one the most successful junior sail training programs, the Junior Sailing Association of Long Island Sound. 

"Without Susie Trotman, there might not be a Small Boat Instructor training and evaluation program, or a Windsurfing Training program, or a Keelboat program," said the US SAILING committee that nominated Trotman for the award. "Susie has had an unparalleled impact on participation and excellence in sailing for at least the last 20 years."

About the Nathanael G. Herreshoff Trophy The Nathanael G. Herreshoff Trophy was donated to US SAILING in 1957 by the National Marine Manufacturers Association and is awarded annually to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the sport of sailing in this country. The recipient is selected by US SAILING's Board of Directors from nominations made by members of the Board, Committee Chairs, past Presidents and Counselors of Honor.

Mr. Herreshoff was one of the pre-eminent 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 that 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 through 1920, a span of 27 years. His success in the varied aspects of the industry earned him the nickname, "The Wizard of Bristol."

www.ussailing.org.

Marlieke de Lange Eaton

Image left to right: Julia Trotman-Brady, Stanley Trotman, Training Committee Chair Rich Jepsen, Herreshoff recipient Susie Trotman, President Janet Baxter, and Nick Trotman.

Last Updated ( Sunday, 19 November 2006 )