The International Shark Class Association honours the memory of the designer and builder of the Shark with The George Hinterhæller Award. This international award will be presented to Shark sailors who have made significant and lasting contributions to the class. In the forty years since its creation, the Shark has had many advocates and fans whose devotion has secured it a lasting legacy.

In recognition of this 40^TH Anniversary year, and to mark the passing of George Hinterhoeller, the first award was presented at the 1999 Shark World Cup at The Royal Canadian Yacht Club, in Toronto. Shark sailors, worldwide, are encouraged to nominate Shark sailors, past or present, who have enriched Shark sailing by their participation.

The George Hinterhoeller Award will be presented annually at the Shark World Cup. This prestigious award is open to all Shark enthusiasts and is not exclusive to racing sailors. The history of the Shark is rich in both competition and cruising – its success is a tribute to both George Hinterhoeller and the men and women who have kept the Shark alive and well these past four decades.