1999 Stanley Bell, Interclub Class, Larchmont YC
US SAILING One-Design Service Award
John H. Gardiner, Jr. Trophy
The Service Award for the John H. Gardiner, Jr. Trophy was presented to Stanley Bell of the Larchmont Yacht Club in New York. John Osmond accepted the award on Bell's behalf. The Service Award is given in recognition of distinguished service and exceptional leadership in the promotion of one-design sailing and class organization.
As Chairman of the Interclub (IC) Dinghy Program at Larchmont, Bell has managed thousands of races for the IC Class, including the 1988 International Dinghy Team Regatta, the 1990 and 1996 IC Dinghy National Championships, and the 1995, 1996, and 1997 IC Midsummer Championships. Bell began running races in 1954, under his father's tutelage, taking over the helm in 1980.
"Stanley runs great races every weekend from Halloween though April-6-10 races a day," said Vicki Arbitrio, one of many peers who nominated Bell. "No long breaks-just keep racing-the way it should be. As a first time IC sailor, he grilled me to be sure I would be sailing instead of swimming. He has always been encouraging and enthusiastic—glad to have newcomers challenge and be challenged." According to Mary Savage in her nomination, Bell "is meticulous about setting good, square starting lines, true upwind marks, and true downwind marks."
And why does Bell "subject himself to the rigors and challenge of running excellent races for talented sailors week after week, year after year, in the frigid air of the winter months?" asks Savage. "Simply because he loves it."