Star Class Honoring the Past, Leading the Future
The Harry Nye Trophy was awarded to John Chiarella during the Saturday evening festivities at the Western Hemisphere Championship held at Biscayne Bay Yacht Club. President Lars Grael took the podium and gave a short talk about the meaning of the Harry Nye Trophy. It is named after Harry Gale Nye who was twice a Star World Champion and Commodore of the Class. The trophy recognizes an individual’s outstanding contribution to the International Star Class. Lars continued, giving the wonderful background of one of the most deserving people in our class.
John has 50 years of Star Sailing under his bottom, he has served as a Fleet Captain, the 12th District Secretary, a Rear Commodore, and as the International Class Secretary. John has also been the driving force in two Silver Star events held at Lake Sunapee, NH, his home waters. John has long been known as a champion of the Fleets, always being sure that the Fleets come first and reminding everyone of this when we get off track.
To a standing ovation Mr. John Chiarella accepted the Harry Nye Trophy.
After composing himself John expressed how grateful he was to be honored with this award. John also conveyed that he was sharing the honor with his now departed wife Donna who was the person that bought John his first star. As John has said many times it really was Dona that kept him going.
Congratulations John! Well deserved!
