As the 2013 Boothbay Harbor Yacht Junior Program races towards conclusion for this season, all staff and participants gathered for the annual awards banquet last Sunday night, August 18.

The event, organized by Margot Atwood, was attended by over 100 youth and their parents began with a delicious pasta and meatballs dinner and ended with special awards and a spectacular slide show of scenes from the summer.

Claudia Greene, chair of tennis for the Junior Program, introduced Larry Rioux and his staff of tennis instructors for the presentation of awards as follows: In the Beginners Group, the boys’ Quick Start at 60 feet winner was Auggie Elderkin, and for the girls, Helmut Dungan. In the 36 feet division, the boys’ winner was Toby Clarkson, and for the girls, Parker Baker. The Most Improved award went to Julia Kosinski.

In Advanced Beginners tennis, the girls’ winner was Veronica Marinari, and for the boys, George Kosinski. The Most Improved award went to Ryan McCann. In the Master beginners category, the boys’ winner was Hunter Short, and for the girls, Monique Bertin. Most Improved went to Greta Pooler.

The Tennis Director’s award went to Parker Elkin and the Meaghan McLaughlin award winner was Sam Levin.

Sailing awards were made by Director Sally Lloyd and her team of instructors.

The top 420 Skipper was Catherine Clark followed by Corinne Poitras in second and Aiden Clark third. The 420 Crew Awards went to Caroline Hunt in first, Meredith McCuskey in second and Caleb Gray, third. Most Improved 420 sailor was Ryan McCann.

In the OPTI Championship fleet, Matt McCuskey received third place honors, Ethan Barnard, second place, and the winner was Jacqueline “JAX” van der Veen. Most improved morning sailor was Sydney Blake and most improved Opti sailor was Helmut Dungan.

The Patsy West Stevens award for most helpful junior sailor wet to Parker Elkins. (Patsy lives on Southport and was for many years the head Instructor in the junior program in the 1960s and 1970s. She taught this reporter’s children how to sail!) The John West Award (started by Past Commodore John West, Patsy’s father) for best crew went to Caroline Hunt.

The Byron Atwood Award (started by Past Commodore Byron Atwood, who was present to see the award given), given to the participant who displays the Best Sportsmanship, was awarded to Arden Carleton.

The H. Rudolf Geiger Award (named for Past Commodore Rudy Geiger), a humungous silver bowl which remains in the club’s trophy case, is awarded to the season’s champion sailor. It was won for the second year in a row by Jacqueline “Jax” van der Veen.

The James G. Bowden Award (named for Past Commodore Jim Bowden), awarded for the program participant who has demonstrated helpfulness, leadership, and sportsmanship, was awarded to Tess McComiskey.

Congratulations to all the winners and participants in the program.