On the morning of Saturday, February 8th in San Diego, while some Thistlers were sailing in out of Mission Bay Yacht Club, two past presidents of the Thistle Class were being recognized across town at the US Sailing Leadership Symposium in Coronado.
Carol Robinson, TCA president in 1988, was given the Community Sailing Award for Volunteer of the Year, for her selfless dedication and countless hours of service to support community sailing.
“WOW! What an honor!” said Carol. “I am just one of many who support all of the community boating centers to help so many children and adults in our communities learn so much not only about sailing and boating but all the important skills that will be the cornerstone of their core values for the rest of their lives.”
John Howell, TCA president in 2022 and 2023, was given the John H. Gardiner Jr. Trophy for One Design Service and Leadership for exceptional Thistle Class Association Management. In the Class’s nomination for the award, it wrote, “John Howell is an excellent reflection of the Gardiner Trophy mission and goals. His service to and leadership of the Thistle Class since 2018 can’t be overstated. From the moment he joined the executive committee, John had a singular goal of putting the Thistle Class on a growth trajectory that would secure its future as a leading One Design class for years to come. The Thistle Class is lucky to have him among our ranks, and US Sailing is lucky to have a member so dedicated to One Design growth.”
Congratulations Carol and John!
To donate to the Thistle Class Growth & Promotion Fund or the Thistle Class Endowment Fund, both of which John helped create, visit https://theclubspot.com/donate/P3uolSyEF1/about/. It will take you to a new window where you can choose how you want your donation to be applied.
Large donations can be sent to the Class secretary to avoid transaction fees.
