A Nautical Heritage

Yachting Awards & Recognition

The first SPYC Yachting Recognition Awards Ceremony , held in 1971, was a gala affair attended by 200 members. Certificates of Appreciation were presented to members who had distinguished themselves during the preceding twelve months in national or international yachting competition, race management or administration.

In making the award presentations, Commodore Earl Fox stated that it was his hope and intent that this Awards Party would become an annual tradition. Though an awards party was inadvertently overlooked in 1972, Commodore “Kell” Hennessy resurrected the event, and it has been an annual affair ever since. Since 1996 a compilation of each year’s award recipients is listed on a document referred to as a RESOLUTION and exhibited in the main lobby. After a year, the Resolution is hung in the Hall of Champions display outside the SPYC offices.

SPECIAL AWARDS were presented from 1976 to 1984: 1976 to Allison Blair Jolly recipient of the Haig & Haig Trophy as “Yachtswoman of the Year"; 1978 to PC Lawrence J. [Kell] Hennessey recipient of the Martini & Rossi National Cruiser Championship Trophy and to PC Ted Tolson recipient of the Nathanael G. Herreshoff Trophy; 1979 to PC Thomas R. Downs for his dedication to SPYC’s ocean racing; 1982 to John L. [Jack] Powell (s/v Paper Tiger & Salty Tiger ) for his decades of service and contributions to yachting; 1984 to PC Robert E. “Bob” Lee originator of the annual fishing tournament.

The most recent additions were in 2021 to: Richard H. [Dick] Funsch for decades of service to the Club as well as chronicling the history of the Club from 1909 to 1989; Gene Hinkel for achievements throughout the world on behalf of disabled sailors and sailing; and Philip Edward [Ed] Baird for contributions to the Club and achievements in the world of sailing – induction in 2016 to the Sailing Hall of Fame and the America’s Cup Hall of Fame in 2021. Take a stroll upstairs to find framed Special Awards and Resolutions on display in the Hall of Champions

Classes

Registration: (727) 822-3113 | sailstpete.org

Adult Racing Classes

Designed to be an introduction to racing for sailors with previous sailing experience. Previous experience is mandatory to attend. These classes are a 4 part series in Ideal 18s, with a coach in the powerboat. Students will meet over the course of 2 weeks on Monday and Wednesday evenings, rain or shine.

Sailors will learn about racing through on the water and classroom training. Prerequisite: Active Ideal 18 Rating

Cost for Yacht Club Members: $225

Monday, April 3rd (5:00 pm - 8:00 pm)

Wednesday, April 5th (5:00 pm - 8:00 pm)

Monday, April 10th (5:00 pm - 8:00 pm)

Wednesday, April 12th (5:00 pm - 8:00 pm)

Sunset Sail Social

Join us for a coached Sunset Sail!

Sailors will divide into Ideal 18s to sail on Tampa Bay waters at golden hour. This is a perfect opportunity to brush up on your basic sailing skills, or meet new people to sail with! Class will be held rain or shine.

A Sailing Center sailboat rating, and a SPYC (or SPSC) Membership is required to attend this course.

Yacht Club Members: $45 + tax Non-members: Not permitted.

Monday, April 24th (5:00 - 8:00 pm)

Wednesday, April 26th (5:00 - 8:00 pm)