Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman Awards
Brian Porter and Jody Starck formally accepted their respective 2013 Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year awards yesterday at the St. Francis Yacht Club. The event, emceed by Gary Jobson, highlighted the careers of two of America’s finest sailors. With family, friends and a room full of sailing notables the awardees gave heartfelt accounts of how they’ve succeeded in sailboat racing and expressed their true appreciation of the sport that enjoy so much.
Jody Starck has won the award twice before in 1989 and 2004. She earned remarkable success last year as crew for her husband, David Stark, winning the Lightning World Championships and then as a skipper she won the Lightning Atlantic Coast Championship and finished third at the Lightning North American Championship.
She was asked what winning the Rolex award meant for her this time. "Being here today proved to me that it’s still possible. It’s possible to have fun, do what I love and still do well at it," she said. "The most important part of that is it’s possible for everyone else to do the same thing; it doesn’t matter if you are a junior sailor heading out for your first race or a veteran who hasn’t been out in a long time. If you put your heart in it and put in the time and effort, it’s possible to achieve your goals.”
Brian Porter had an impressive series of successes in 2013 as well. He won the Sperry Top-Sider Melges 24 World Championship and the Melges 24 division at Quantum Key West. He also finished third at the Rolex Big Boat Series and the E Scow National Championship.
Brian was humbled to have been given the award and acknowledged its significance. "One of the things that struck me when I was told I won this award was just how difficult it is to win. Like sailing in any regatta, you need some luck, and I had my fair share of it last year.
“Although we are all competitive and want to win," he said, "I think we would all agree that the journey is what’s most important. The people we meet, the friends we make, and the great sportsmanship are what it’s all about. I’ve been very fortunate to have been blessed with many great moments, and nothing has touched my heart more than the outpouring of support and good wishes from friends and competitors.”
Past winners in attendance included: Paul Cayard (1998), JJ Fetter (1986, 1991, 1997, and 2000), John Heineken (2012) and Dave Ullman (1996).