2003 George Hinterhoeller Trophy

Aline Smith-Henderson                Bill                Barbara Hinterhoeller

The George Hinterhoeller award was introduced in 1999 in memory of the designer and builder of the boat that has brought us here today. The award is presented to sailors of "The Boat that George Built" who have made significant and lasting contributions to the Class.

Britannia Yacht Club, Ottawa, Ontario - Sunday, July 20, 2003
from the introduction given by John Brunt, President, Canadian Shark Class Association

Before adding the name of today's recipient to the list of those honoured with this award I would like to recognize the three previous recipients, who are all present today. Tad Grygier, one of the founders of the International Shark Class Association received the first Hinterhoeller Award in 1999. In 2000 the honour was bestowed upon Sid Dakin, who has been in the class for so long that his name appears on the Homecomers trophy the year I was born. In 2001 the award was given to Bodo Guenther who, as the European builder, was instrumental in the development and growth of the Class in Europe.

Today's honouree joins this select group because, like them, he has devoted his time and talent to the class, building and strengthening the organization in ways that have contributed greatly to the success of the Shark Class today.

Bill Henderson is here today for many reasons, one of which is because I didn't have the forethought to nominate him last year and save him the drive to Ottawa for this year's presentation. Bill and Aline, I hope you both had a pleasant trip here.

Bill purchased his shark in [1975] and has sailed and raced at RCYC regularly since that time. Bill's boat, also named Aline, continues to be sailed regularly. By the way Bill, does naming your boat after your wife give you more time to sail? Perhaps we should rename a few other boats in the fleet.

Bill's contribution to the fleet has been more off the water than on. Since I became President of the Canadian Shark Class Association in 2002, I came to realize how much work is involved in keeping things running. I also relied on Bill, not only as a source of information from his vast experience, but also for advice. I came to realize the work required of the various volunteers, particularly by the secretary and treasurer, each of which has plenty of work for one to do. Bill was the Canadian Class treasurer for 10 years, a significant contribution for anyone. Remarkably, during 8 of those years he also held the position of secretary, effectively keeping the class on the rails while the rest of us sailed merrily along.

Bill was never quite content with the status quo. An avid computer user, he always sought ways to improve and automate the collection and maintenance of our data. He brought us from the "dark ages" of manual record keeping into computer databases and archiving. And in the process saved us a great deal of time and money.

And it was his facility with computers that gave us "Sharkbytes", one of the best websites of its kind. When the notion of a class website was first suggested, a call went out to the members asking for help to build it. Typically, the call was answered - by Bill. He took the bull by the horns and in an astonishingly short time, "Sharkbytes" appeared.

Bill is adamant, if asked, to tell people that the website belongs to the Class, but this is only true because it has been his gift to all of us. The website, which is his baby, is grown up right now and has become the principle source of communication among members of the Class. Bill continues to work tirelessly to ensure that content, presentation and dependability is maintained for all Shark sailors, racers and cruisers alike. And in the process, he has preserved a treasure trove of class history for all to enjoy.

It is often said that an organization survives on the strength of its volunteers. The Shark Class is alive and well and the better for your great contributions. Bill, we all thank you.