NEW SHOREHAM, R.I. – The Storm Trysail Club plans to award a new Youth Trophy in honor of longtime club member, the late William Ziegler, III, at its 50th anniversary Block Island Race Week, June 21-
26.
The GEM Trophy memorializes the ideals of Ziegler, an accomplished sailor who frequently raced his
yachts named GEM at Block Island Race Week with youth sailors, some of whom were recruited off the
dock on race day. The trophy will be presented to the best yacht with at least 70 percent of its crew,
male or female, younger than 25 years of age.
The Storm Trysail Club encourages youth participation by allowing every yacht to carry at least one crew
under the age of 14 who won’t be considered part of the crew’s maximum number or weight limit.
“The Storm Trysail Club wishes to thank Steve and Heidi Benjamin for sponsoring this award,” said
Regatta Chairman Peter Rugg. “Many sailors who’ll be racing at Block Island Race Week sailed at least
one as a youth. We’re happy that this trophy will help to continue the legacy that the Storm Trysail Club
has in giving young sailors an opportunity to race the types of boats that they can sail for the rest of
their lives.”
“Heidi’s dad had a positive impact on many young sailors and we’re happy to present this trophy in his
honor,” said multi-class champion Steve Benjamin, who raced at Block Island with Heidi’s brothers Bill,
Peter and Karl Ziegler.
The qualification details for the trophy will be outlined in an upcoming amendment to the Notice of
Race, which can be found at the Block Island Race Week web site.
The entry list for Block Island Race Week includes more than 150 boats ranging in size from 6.5 meters
(21 feet) to 65 feet. Racing is planned on three circles for one-design and rated classes (IRC, HPR and
PHRF). Additional “navigator” classes for double-handed crews, wooden boats and cruising canvas
entries will race around fixed marks.
The Around Block Island Race is a highlight of the week, a 20-nautical-mile sprint that challenges crews
with swift tidal currents, rocky outcrops and windless holes while racing against the picture-perfect sand
dunes and lush flora and fauna of the island. The winner takes home a Rolex timepiece and the Island
Sailing Club of Cowes Tankard commemorating ties between Block Island Race Week and Cowes Week.
Registration is still open for this classic regatta that mixes fun and co