For bringing distinction to The Cruising Club of America by meritorious service, able seamanship, outstanding performance in long range cruising, and his statesmanship in the affairs of international yachting with his long term and ongoing contributions to Safety at Sea programs and seminars.
The Richard S. Nye Trophy
The Richard S. Nye trophy is a CCA member lifetime achievement award for meritorious service and seamanship in long-distance cruising.
The trophy is a perpetual trophy in honor of Richard S. Nye, Commodore of the Cruising Club of America 1974-1975, Vice Commodore 1972-1973, and Treasurer 1959-1970. The trophy is to be awarded at the discretion of the Governing Board of the Cruising Club of America to a member who has brought distinction to the Club by meritorious service, outstanding seamanship, outstanding performance in long distance cruising or racing, statesmanship in the affairs of international yachting, or any combination of the above. The award may be as often as annually but need not be made each year.
This trophy is donated by the many crew members who have enjoyed the privilege of sailing aboard Richard S. Nye’s various yachts named Carina. A record of their names shall be maintained with the deed of gift in the archives of the Cruising Club of America.
If in any year, the Governing Board determines it to be in the best interest of the Club, and consistent with the philosophy of yachting as exemplified by Richard S. Nye’s outstanding record in this field, it may by unanimous vote at a duly called meeting of the Board, amend, alter, or rescind any of the terms of this dedication without notice or consent of the donors of the trophy.
For his energetic, effective leadership and constant enthusiastic efforts in developing, organizing, and teaching Safety at Sea Seminars from coast to coast.
For service to the Club as Rear Commodore of the Boston Station, many years as the CCA Fleet Surgeon and service to the sport of sailing. His medical presentations to safety-at-sea seminars and the Newport-Bermuda Race, his medical studies researching head trauma and other sailing-related injuries all directly enhance the CCA's core mission in support of amateur sailing. His transoceanic passages and many voyages and his efforts to enhance our membership and support Club events.
For bringing distinction to the Club over years of intensive but quiet service as: organizer of the Club's 75th Anniversary Celebration; co-editor and publisher of the CC News in the early 90's; board member and secretary of the Bonnell Cove Foundation; co-author of the Suddenly Alone handbook; organizer of the 2004 Mystic Spring Meeting ... all the while a dedicated sailor and participant at Club events.
For contributions to the Club during 46 years of membership, including Rear Commodore, Chesapeake Station, 23 years on the Awards Committee, six as chairman, his lifetime devotion to ocean sailing, participation in fifteen Newport-Bermuda races, and high latitude cruising including a notable arctic voyage that earned him the Blue Water Medal.
Past Captain of the Great Lakes Station, Chairman of the 2002 National Cruise on Lake Huron, Chairman of the 2003 Spring Meeting in Chicago, and participant in many Club cruises since 1987.
For his outstanding dedication to cruising for forty-one years on club and station cruises. Served as rear commodore and Mr. Fixit on members' boats. His help to fellow cruisers earned him title of Chief Engineer of the Boston Station.
For his many contributions to yachting, his inventions and innovations, his many designs of comfortable cruising boats, and his sterling record of racing and cruising here and abroad. Modesty is the hallmark of this quiet gentleman.
For over 30 years of service in many CCA offices including Rear Commodore, Awards, and CC News, plus distinguished cruising, with 3 Parkinson awards, a book (Sail Far Away, 1978), and his discovery of the lost city Aperlae in Turkey, for which he was elected to the Archaeological Society of America.
For his stewardship of the cruising guides to Newfoundland and Labrador, management of national cruises, and spreading of good will during voyages to the far Northeast and Alaska.