What a gift!
To me and many others, the Tuuci Orange Bowl International Youth Regatta is the year's main event. Families, coaches, spectators, race committee members, judges, and vendors from twenty-one countries traveled to Miami for the world's largest youth sailing event. Seven hundred youth sailors from 21 countries competed in the Optis, Club 420, and the ILCA classes from December 27 to 30. In my estimation, there were about 1,900 people in total. The number does not reflect those who competed in the Open Orange Bowl Regatta.
What makes this event extra special for me is the “Magnus Liljedahl Sportsmanship Award” trophy. This year, it was promoted with online nominations, and advertising was posted at all the yacht clubs around the Bay.
Like so many times before, I seek the assistance of notable sailors to help determine the winner and award the trophy. Our local, multiple blind sailing World and National sailing champion, Dr Janice Bartleson, joined me at the podium to award the 24th edition of the Magnus Liljedahl Sportsmanship Award.
The 2024 recipients were Zachary and Samuel WELLS in the Club 420 class. According to the nominations, “the sibling duo from the Annapolis Yacht Club were bombing through the reach leg of the silver course on Day three where many of their competitors were struggling to keep their boats upright. They identified a capsized boat and asked whether it needed any assistance. Eventually, they were turned away, but the act caught my attention”. Well, it caught our attention as well. Sailing is traditionally a gentleman's sport. Back in the day, it was self-policed, and we didn't have judges or coaches. Anytime you see someone needing assistance, it's an act of sportsmanship to have concern and, if possible, offer help, especially if you are not in contention for the podium finish.
Congratulations to Zach and Sam!