What is the Seamanship Burgee?

The Seamanship Burgee is awarded to those who embody the spirit of seamanship through acts of courage, skill, and responsibility. Whether responding to emergencies on their own boat or assisting others, recipients of this honor display the highest level of safety and leadership on the water.

Who Qualifies?

The award recognizes those who take decisive action in critical situations. Examples of qualifying actions include:

• Man Overboard (MOB) Recovery – rescuing a crewmember from your own boat, a competitor, or any other vessel.
• Responding to Mayday Calls – offering direct assistance or standing by while rescue services are en route.
• Critical Communication Support – relaying vital messages when others cannot.
• Providing Medical Assistance – administering first aid or urgent care at sea.
• Helping a Sinking or Damaged Vessel – aiding in recovery or escorting a compromised boat to port.
• Transferring Fuel or Supplies – ensuring a vessel in need has the essentials to continue safely.
• Aiding a Grounded Vessel – assisting in refloating or stabilizing a stranded boat.

The Seamanship Burgee applies to both racing and non-racing situations. If assistance occurs during a race, this recognition remains separate from redress, which is handled by the Organizing Authority.

Nominate a Worthy Sailor

The goal of this award is to encourage good seamanship. The threshold for recognition is intentionally set at an achievable level to inspire responsible behavior at sea. If you have witnessed an act of exceptional seamanship, we encourage you to submit a nomination.

Who Can Nominate?

• Storm Trysail Club members
• Non-member attendees of STC events (including participants and witnesses)

How to Submit a Nomination

Nominations can be submitted via the official nomination form, which is reviewed by the Storm Trysail Club’s Executive Director and the Seamanship Committee Chair. If a nomination meets the criteria for the US Sailing Hanson Rescue Medal, STC will forward a recommendation for additional recognition.

Determination & Award Presentation

The Seamanship Committee will conduct a review and, after thorough consideration, make a recommendation to the Storm Trysail Club Commodore. Safety Burgees will be awarded at an appropriate event or gathering, such as:

• Prize awards at a regatta
• STC station parties
• The STC Annual Meeting
• Governing Committee meetings

Awards will be publicized on the Storm Trysail Club website, social media, and newsletters to celebrate the recipient’s exemplary contribution to safety at sea.

The Storm Trysail Club extends a special thanks to STC member Ben Hirdes for introducing the concept of the Seamanship Burgee.

For more information or to submit a nomination, visit Seamanship Burgee Page.