News

Congratulations to Joe Parker, Doyle Sails Bay City, who was presented with this year’s Bay City Yacht Club Sportsmanship Award at the annual Sailing Awards Banquet on October 24. This award is presented to a club member who has contributed to the health and growth of local sailing. The winner is selected by a panel of their peers – the former recipients of the award who are actively sailing.

Joe has been actively involved in racing with the Saginaw Bay Yacht Racing Association and the Bay City Yacht Club for more years than he is willing to tell us. Fortunately for the rest of us, Joe has never been one to keep his expertise to himself. He is always willing to share his advice and to offer suggestions on topics ranging from boat repairs (using West System epoxy of course) to boat handling, rigging and sail trim, and more – all done in the spirit of advancing our sport.

He also keeps the local racers straight and true on the race course by conducting his springtime ritual, the annual rules seminar. This event is always well attended as Joe explains the rules in plain words so we know how they apply on the race course.

Joe Parker was instrumental in the formation of the Saginaw Bay Community Sailing Association and has served as its president since its inception in 1995.