Every year since 1995, the Hobie Class Association has honored a Hobie sailor, whose unselfish attitude, and commitment to the sport, has set an example for all to enjoy the “Hobie Way of Life.” In 1998, posthumously honoring a great Hobie sailor, the award was changed to the Carlton Tucker Sportsman of the Year Award. As a past recipient of this award, I can tell you that in Hobie sailing – there is no higher honor than receiving this award. For 2024, we have a most stellar award winner. Not only did he actually know Carlton Tucker, he actually worked for Carlton and his dad at The Boat in Fort Walton Beach. He also remains close to Carlton’s Dad – Jim, Carlton’s widow – Mary Alice, and both of Carlton’s children.
Sailing Hobies from a young age, we can first track him on the racing scene around 2008, when he placed 2nd at the Hobie 20 Nationals – sailing as crew. From there, we see a constant stream of impressive finishes, sometimes as crew, and sometimes sailing with his son, in both local and national events. However, it is in the last 10 years that we see his most notable contributions. With a group of like-minded sailors, he has been instrumental in building a small southern yacht club and sailing organization into a premiere and highly regarded multihull sailing venue. Working often behind the scenes, he buys, refurbishes, and often donates boats into the local sailing program. You may know his 2 “world famous” Hobie Powerskiffs that have served as mark boats, assisting at national events in such far-flung locations as Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, Indiana, New York, Mississippi, and who knows where else. In the last 5 years, he has been part of a wonderful group of sailors who have resurrected the almost dead Hobie 20 Class. He buys boats, fixes them up, and finds them enthusiastic new owners. He was also instrumental in changing Hobie Class Rules which allowed the continued availability of new Hobie 20 sails.
Always first to offer help, he can often be found fixing boats on the beach, or freely offering to share his knowledge of sailing, tuning, and tactics, or loaning boat parts or sails – to anyone who asks. When racing is done, you can be sure that he will go non-stop getting boats safely parked on the beach. I personally could not make it without him. He is a true gentleman and sportsman, embodying all the qualities that made Carlton Tucker such an inspiration, and taking those qualities a step further – gracious and giving, kind helper, fierce competitor, Corinthian sailor, mentor to young and old, and a wonderful friend.
BUT HE IS NOT ALONE!
His “partner in crime” adds another whole dimension to the meaning of the “Hobie Way of Life” and also sets a very high bar to receive the Carlton Tucker Award herself. A sailor in her own right, she actively sails in the Hobie Wave and Formula Wave Classes, as well as expertly crewing on both Hobie 16 and Hobie 20. This includes their winning the Hobie 20 Nationals at least twice. What sets her apart though, is that she is the Ultimate Organizer. She makes the running of regional and national Hobie sailing events go so smoothly and seemingly effortlessly. When you attend one of “her” events, you know that the venue will be great, racing will be organized and well-run, and you will be extremely well fed, and – what great raffles. She gets it done, and with such an artistic flair.
And together – – Wow!
For example, in 2020, these two organized and hosted every Hobie Nationals (except those pesky 16’s and 20’s) at their local club. That’s Waves, 14’s, 17’s, 18’s and even Women’s nationals. In the last 5 years, sailors from all over the country – as far away as Wyoming, California, up to Minnesota, and along the east coast – make the spring season Mid-Winters East regatta – a “must go” event. In 2023, they were instrumental in the running of at least 5 regional regattas, plus the inaugural Florida Keys Formula Wave extravaganza. For 2024, they are responsible for the organization of 3 separate Nationals – on Hobie 14’s, 20’s and Formula Waves. Plus Mid-Winters East (which had 90 boats registered). Plus five or so regional Hobie and open regattas. Plus the already wait-listed Florida Keys Formula Wave regatta in December. There are also (very loud) rumors of a Hobie 16 Worlds bid in the air. These guys make things happen. This allows us, the grateful sailors – to simply sign up, pay a reasonable entry fee, show up, and be treated to great locations and facilities, good food, and excellent racing. We get to race because they have done the work to make it happen.
These two together make a nearly unstoppable duo within the Hobie racing and sailing organizations. I can think of no others who so exemplify the character and humanity of Carlton Tucker’s spirit. I am honored to nominate for the 2024 Carlton Tucker Sportsman of the Year Award – the current North American Hobie Class Association Race Coordinator, and the current Formula Wave Class Event Coordinator – that’s the exceptional duo of Michael McNeir and Krista Vind.
Respectfully submitted, Jane Sherrod, Division 6