Thad T. Hutcheson Memorial Grant

Awarded annually to a GCYSA team member or members who embody the characteristics of Thad T. Hutcheson, Jr. Thad Hutcheson, Jr was a top amateur sailor and Soling World Champion. He loved competitive sailing and valued the close relationships he built on and off the water. Thad recognized the financial challenges some amateurs and professionals faced as they campaigned and always tried to help where he could. He was particularly fond of sailors like Buddy Melges, Billy Abbott, Bob Johnstone and Ed Baird, whom he felt built their classes up to a very high level of competitiveness and also kept them amateur friendly. Thad also stressed the importance of supporting those leaders in the class who helped with knowledge sharing and concept of working together to bring the overall skills of the fleet up.