US SAILING, national governing body of the sport, has awarded its Nathanael G. Herreshoff Trophy to Larry White (Niantic, Conn.) for his outstanding contribution to the sport of sailing in the U.S. White is the immediate past President of the Interscholastic Sailing Association (ISSA — High School Sailing). White 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 General Meeting in Phoenix, Ariz. To a standing ovation, White accepted the award.

White has been a sailor and sailing volunteer for many years, but he is perhaps most known for his very successful 15-year presidency of the Interscholastic Sailing Association (ISSA), a responsibility from which he stepped down earlier this fall. As ISSA’s tenth President, the growth of school sailing went to full bore, from a handful of schools in New England to seven organized and active national districts nationwide. The nation was modeled after the collegiate version and booklets were produced to provide information on creating school sailing programs.

“The remarkable expansion nationally, to the current membership of over 400 schools and 5,000 members in seven districts including schools in Hawaii and St. Thomas, is completely due to Larry’s vision and leadership,” said the US SAILING committee that nominated White for the award. “Not only has he worked incessantly, but he has consistently inspired others to help implement his vision.”

White’s influence on the development of high school sailing in the U.S. is not the only reason why he was nominated for the Herreshoff Trophy. He has fulfilled numerous other roles in the sport, including, but certainly not limited to, various roles as a US SAILING volunteer (Vice President from 1989-1990; Board of Directors 1978-1988, 1999-2000; Yacht Racing Council Chair 1987-1988; Race Management Committee 1985-1990, chairman 1989-1990; Race Administration Committee 1989-1990; Training Committee 1991; Inshore Committee 1994 to present, chair 1999-2000; and he is currently an International Judge); as well as numerous roles at other sailing organizations such as the Severn Sailing Association (Annapolis, Md.), Snipe Class International Racing Association, U.S. Coast Guard Academy (New London, Conn.), U.S. International 420 Association, and much more.

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 preeminent 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.”

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