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Friday, January 29, 2010
This year’s winner of the Hans Otto Giese Inspirational Award didn’t grow up sailing as many of us did, but no one has been more immersed in the local sailing community over the last few years.
Eric Sanderson has been a member of CYC since only 1999, but in that short time, his influence has been widespread. Active in racing his J/24 Suspence, Eric has played an important role in building the J/24 fleet, the largest one-design keelboat fleet in the region, and has served as district governor for the J Class. For CYC, he has been a director and has moved through the ranks as rear commodore, vice commodore, and commodore in 2007.
Photo by Bruce Sherman
Eric Sanderson, left., receives the Hans Otto Giese Inspirational Award from Commodore John Rahn
Melanie Edwards, a longtime Suspense crewmember, sums it up this way:
“Eric’s tireless efforts toward all aspects of the club and all people involved encourages everybody to contribute more. As crew on his J24 Suspence, we continually tease him about being too nice, as he sails us through the entire fleet in order to welcome each new boat to the fleet and start line.”
As commodore, Eric’s sense of responsibility served the club well. During his tenure, several people were injured in a fall from our entry landing, one of them very seriously. Eric was the point man for the club during the subsequent investigation and negotiations that ultimately led to a settlement. While showing compassion for the injured person, Eric also helped bring the case to a conclusion that positioned our club to move forward.
Those of us who have worked with Eric know that there’s at least one thing in his life more important than sailing — his family. Being a stay-at-home dad for Ava and Reed is a priority all of us have respected, even as they tugged on his pant legs during phone conversations about club business, or when he had them in tow at meetings. For his part, Eric is quick to thank the kids and wife Karrie for the patience that has enabled him to pursue his sailing activities.
Thanks to you, too, Eric, for all you have given to CYC and the J/24 fleet, here in our corner of the sailing world.
Additional annual honorary awards and the racing and cruising trophies were handed out during the packed meeting Friday evening, Jan. 29. For these as well as the 2009 additions to the Honor Roll of Champions, click here: http://www.cycseattle.org/2010_specific/awards.html.
A addition to this year’s Award Ceremony were the Commodore’s Gold Star Awards. These were presented to three members who have gone above and beyond, giving unselfishly of their time for the club’s benefit.
Suzette Connolly, has, in addition to her duties as CYC Secretary in 2009, spent untold hours working in the office as a volunteer doing invoices and paying bills. She is continuing this effort in 2010. Suzette also organized the Fridays in February in 2009 and is participating in that project this year, as well. Thank you, Suzette.
Geoff Pease has spent many, many hours over the last few years overhauling the CYC office hardware and software systems, donating some of the equipment himself. In the past month, he has made a special effort to get the new system up and running. Thank you, Geoff.
Brian Miller is stepping down this month as CYC Manager. When he began this job in early 2009, the office was a mess in every way. Brian, who is super organized and efficient as well as exceptionally sweet-natured, got it cleared up and working well in short order, assisted by Joel Thornton, who is taking over now as Manager. Thank you, Brian.
To all of our award winners and Honor Roll of Champions, congratulations and thank you for all you have contributed toward the success of CYC.