US Sailing announces 2025 Adaptive Award recipients
by US Sailing 20 Mar 00:42 AEDT
US Sailing announces 2025 Adaptive Award recipients © Lexi Pline / US Sailing
US Sailing presented the organization's two Adaptive Sailing Awards - the Robie Pierce and the Gay S. Lynn - in a ceremony at the New England Regional Symposium at Bristol Yacht Club.
Hudson River Community Sailing was awarded the Robie Pierce for Outstanding Adaptive Programming, while Paul Bollinger of Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating took home the Gay S. Lynn Memorial Trophy for having made an outstanding contribution for sailors with disabilities and the sport of adaptive sailing over a sustained period of time.
The Robie Pierce Award for Outstanding Adaptive Sailing Program: Hudson River Community Sailing
Hudson River Community Sailing (HRCS) has been named the 2025 recipient of the Robie Pierce Award, presented annually by US Sailing to an organization that has made notable contributions to promote public access sailing for sailors with disabilities. Named for the late Robie Pierce—a champion sailor, advocate, and former chair of US Sailing's Sailors with Special Needs Committee—the award recognizes organizations that offer education programs and expand access to sailing for individuals with disabilities.
Since launching its adaptive programming in 2014 through partnerships with local Veterans Affairs medical centers and the Heroes on the Hudson Adaptive Sports Clinic, HRCS has grown its efforts from a single annual event into a robust, year-round initiative. Its "Soldiers Under Sail" program now provides veterans the opportunity to sail alongside US Sailing-certified skippers and fellow service members.
In 2021, HRCS significantly expanded its reach by enhancing facilities and equipment to serve a broader community of sailors with diverse needs. Today, its accessible docks, adaptive boats, and highly trained staff support participants with a wide range of physical and developmental abilities.
By 2024, HRCS served more than 250 adaptive sailors and partnered with nine organizations across the healthcare and disability advocacy sectors, with additional partnerships continuing to grow in the coming years. The program is increasingly integrated into the broader HRCS community, with adaptive sailors joining as full members and more skippers trained to support inclusive, mixed-ability sailing experiences.
HRCS's adaptive program is grounded in a mission to provide equitable waterfront access, foster inclusion and wellbeing, and empower participants to achieve personal and recreational goals. Through specialized equipment, expert instruction, and a commitment to accessibility, HRCS is helping make New York City's waterways welcoming to all.
Don Rotzien, Senior Director of Community Programs & Operations, accepted the award on behalf of Hudson River Community Sailing.
The Gay S. Lynn Memorial Trophy: Paul "Bo" Bollinger, Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating
US Sailing is proud to announce that Paul "Bo" Bollinger has been named the 2025 recipient of the Gay S. Lynn Trophy for Service to Disabled Sailing, recognizing his outstanding leadership and commitment to expanding access to sailing for individuals of all abilities.
Named in honor of Gay S. Lynn, a passionate sailor and advocate for inclusion, the award celebrates individuals who embody her belief that sailing builds independence, confidence, and opportunity—and that these benefits should be accessible to everyone. Known for her candor and high expectations, Lynn championed equal treatment and empowerment for sailors with disabilities, encouraging all to fully embrace the sport.
Through his leadership of Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB), Bollinger has helped transform an ambitious idea into a thriving, nationally recognized program based in Annapolis. CRAB provides inclusive, community-based sailing opportunities where participants of all abilities can experience the freedom and joy of being on the water.
Under Bollinger's guidance, the organization has grown into a vibrant sailing community built on access, participation, and excellence. His dedication and hands-on leadership have played a central role in ensuring that adaptive sailing opportunities continue to expand and reach more individuals each year.
"Programs like CRAB don't happen by accident—they are built by people who show up, put in the work, and believe deeply that the water belongs to everyone," said Bill Lynn, presenter of the award.
Bollinger's contributions exemplify the mission of the Gay S. Lynn Trophy, carrying forward a legacy of inclusion, determination, and respect for sailors of all abilities.