Tall Ships America Announces the 2013 Sail Training Award Recipients

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: For more information contact: Lori Aguiar, Director of Operations, lori@tallshipsamerica.org February 7, 2014, Newport, RI: For three days in San Diego, California, attendees at Tall Ships Americas 41st Annual Conference on Sail Training and Tall Ships discussed maritime issues, learned about new regulations in the industry, networked with sail trainers from around the country and left feeling inspired, motivated and eager to implement all they learned within their own organizations. The conference ended with the Gala Sail Training Awards Dinner, sponsored by Allen Insurance and Financial, and the presentation of the 2013 Sail Training Awards which honor a select group of sail trainers and supporters who have been recognized by their peers and fellow sail trainers for their outstanding contributions to the world of sail training. The evening began with the awards for the 2013 TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE Race Series. The winners for the following categories are: Youth Sail Training and Education: Assesses the ports efforts and success in facilitating youth participation on board TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE participating vessels in the TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE Races/Cruises in Company, educational programs offered during the event, and educational outreach to the port community - Tall Ships Chicago (Navy Pier, Chicago, IL) Operations, Logistics, Marketing and Promotions: Assesses the ports efforts and success in promoting and marketing the event and in execution of delivery. New programs, innovations, expansions of access, etc., are especially considered - Redpath Waterfront Festival Toronto (Toronto, ON) Economic Impact: Mathematical calculations based on a ratio of reported total expenses/economic impact - Tall Ships Chicago (Navy Pier, Chicago, IL) Ship and Crew Vote: Based on reports from participating vessels and crew, per a standardized questionnaire Tall Ship Celebration: Bay City (Bay City, MI) Best New Port: Ports or port organizers which are new to the TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE are evaluated by Tall Ships America according to their scores in the above categories - Tall Ships Hamilton 2013 (Hamilton, ON) Port City of the Year: Awarded to the port which obtains the highest average in the categories above, demonstrating significant support of Tall Ships America and furthering public recognition of sail training - Tall Ship Celebration: Bay City (Bay City, MI) In addition, the Perry Bowl which is awarded to the top finishing Tall Ships America member vessel in the TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE Great Lakes 2013 race series was presented to Pride of Baltimore II (Baltimore, MD) for winning four out of the five races in the 2013 Great Lakes series. Special Recognition was given to Patricia Lock for her role as TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE Director. Patti has served as TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE Director since 2008 and is transitioning to Special Projects for Tall Ships America. The TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE awards were followed by the presentation of the Annual Sail Training Awards. The award recipients are nominated by the Tall Ships America membership and the final winners are selected from the nominees by the Board of Directors and staff of Tall Ships America.

Tall Ships America Announces the 2013 Sail Training Award Recipients

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Volunteer of the Year: Awarded to an individual member of Tall Ships America who has significantly advanced our overall mission Captain Rick Miller, Maine Maritime Academy Sail Trainer of the Year: Awarded to a member of Tall Ships America who has made a significant contribution to sail training through the demonstration of leadership by means of empowerment and inspiration - CAPT Wes Pulver, USCG Barque EAGLE Sail Training Program of the Year: Awarded to a current Tall Ships America member program that significantly contributes to the development of seamanship, navigation skills, teamwork, and leadership skills. The program must be offered aboard a USCG (or national equivalent) inspected vessel, must be offered by certified/qualified personnel, must have clear training goals and a curriculum which is compatible to the Tall Ships America sail training logbook and must offer students the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge at sea by participating as active trainees in the running of the vessel Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI) Tall Ship Expeditions aboard the Tole Mour Sea Education Program of the Year: Awarded to a program offered by a current Tall Ships America member which significantly contributed to the educational credibility of programs under sail. The program must be offered in conjunction with a school, school system, school group or other recognized educational institution, must have a clear curriculum of educational goals which are compatible with curriculum goals of traditional schools and must have qualified instructors on a certified vessel- San Diego Maritime Museum. Lifetime Achievement Awards, which are awarded to individuals who have dedicated their lifes work to getting people to sea under sail and who have worked to preserve the traditions and skills of sail training, were awarded to Captain Jim Wehan of Ocean Institute Dana Point and to Tall Ships America Commodore, Nancy Richardson. Founded In 1973, Tall Ships America serves as the hub for tall ships activity, expertise, and information in North America, and is commended by Congress as the Sail Training Organization representing the United States in the international forum. In addition to organizing the TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE series, Tall Ships America supports the people, ships and programs of sail training through grants, scholarships, conferences, education, publications, public events and advocacy. The mission of Tall Ships America is to encourage character building through sail training, promote sail training to the North American public, and support education under sail.

The mission of Tall Ships America is to encourage character building through sail training, promote sail training to the North American public and support education under sail! Tall Ships America . 29 Touro Street . PO Box 1459 . Newport, RI 02840 . 401-846-1775 asta@tallshipsamerica.org . www.tallshipsamerica.org