Paul W Risseeuw Sportsmanship Award

2016     Ian Hurley     Pettipaug

This year when we found ourselves short of help with Junior Instructors mid-summer, Ian noticed we could use some help and he immediately stepped up and offered to fill a vacant role. He has been our hardest working JI since he joined in.

Ian is always thinking of what we need done next to help our sailors get ready for the day, and he takes action to do the behind the scenes work that allows our instructors to deliver their lessons seemlessly. Even before Ian officially joined our JI staff, he was helpful in many ways. We had a timid sailor early in the season afraid to go out, and Ian just graciously jumped in the boat with her and took her sailing, instead of doing his own lesson that day.

He has such a kind and giving temperament that he is a natural fit for sharing his love of sailing with others. Ian models pride in his sailing by not only challenging himself to become better through the instruction offered, but he also takes pride in maintaining a shipshape boat at all times. He enjoys racing with his partner and the two clearly respect the talents each one is able to bring to their team. It is a pleasure to watch them sail. We are proud to have Ian represent Pettipaug Sailing Academy when he travels to other regattas as we believe he represents the best of junior sailing.