The Gaston Family Youth Sailing Program Sportsmanship Award - Opti Rudder
- KBYC History Committee
- Dec 10, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Donated by the Enrique and Victoria Gaston Family in 2014. This award honors the sailor who embodies the Corinthian spirit during that year's Youth Sailing Program, whether it’s offering a helping hand to a fellow competitor, showing respect for coaches and officials, or demonstrating grace in both victory and defeat.
In the world of competitive sailing, where the wind and waves are both ally and adversary, there exists a tradition that values character as well as skill. The Key Biscayne Yacht Club’s Youth Sailing Program, renowned for its commitment to developing skilled young sailors, also places a profound emphasis on fostering integrity, respect, and fairness—the cornerstones of true sportsmanship. This philosophy is beautifully encapsulated in the Gaston Family Youth Sailing Program Sportsmanship Award, a prestigious award that has celebrated the club’s most exemplary young athletes since its inception in 2014.
While success on the water is often measured by finish lines and race standings. This award recognizes a different kind of achievement. It's not just about winning; it’s about how you play the game.
The Opti Rudder is an exact replica carved in teak. It and the Hacker Family Youth Sailing Program Top Female Award Opti Centerboard were the idea of the Gaston Family and were established simultaneously in 2014. A distinguished piece within the Key Biscayne Yacht Club's collection of trophies, The Sportsmanship Award stands as a testament to the club’s core values. Each year, a new name is added to its surface, etching a legacy of young athletes who have set a high standard for their peers. These names represent a powerful message: that in the pursuit of excellence, a sailor's character is their most valuable asset. The Youth Sailing Program Sportsmanship Award reminds us that the lessons learned on the water—patience, perseverance, and respect—are the ones that truly shape a champion.
A smaller scale trophy is presented to the sailor recognized for his or her sportsmanship
Description: Opti Rudder - Youth Sailing Program Sportsmanship Award donated by the Enrique and Victoria Gaston Family 2014.
Location: Seabelle Room, Main Floor
L..01.005
