The George Hinterhoeller Award was introduced in 1999 in memory of the designer and builder of the boat that has brought us all tremendous enjoyment and camaraderie.
The award is presented to sailors of “The Boat that George Built” who have made significant and lasting contributions to the Class.
Written nominations for this award are to be forwarded to the President of the International Shark Class Association which in turn are reviewed, considered and voted upon by the ISCA Executive Committee.
The award is typically presented at the opening ceremonies of the Shark World Championships.
Recipients
2025 – Heinrich Schuch Austria
This award honors Heiner for his outstanding contribution to promoting and preserving our class. His decades of dedication, his calm and steady manner, and his tireless support of our community.
As class secretary for over 20 years, Heiner has been a pillar of our organization.
Through his numerous participations in the Worlds in Canada and his role as a liaison between the North American and European Shark24 class associations, he has contributed significantly to the international networking and cohesion of the class.
2023 – Jinnie Gordon
The George Hinterhoeller Award was presented to Jinnie Gordon of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Sailing Club for her commitment to promoting women’s sailing and her dedication to the Shark class. The race organizers adhered to Sailor for the Sea Clean Regatta protocols and achieved the Gold Standard.
2014 – Greg Cockburn
Greg started racing Sharks in the mid to late 1960’s. He won his first of four World Championships at the Bronte Harbour Yacht Club in Canada in 1993, and his most recent at the Yacht Club Kreuzlingen in Switzerland in 2010. He became President of the International Shark Class Association in 1998 during the World Championships in Austria at the Breitenbrunn Yacht Club, and served as President of ISCA for 15 years. Through his direction, in the year 2000, the Class gained recognition by becoming an ISAF Classic Yacht class.
2003 – Bill Henderson
Bill was the Canadian Shark Class treasurer for 10 years, and during 8 of those years he also held the position of secretary. He also created and managed the class website “Sharkbytes”, one of the best of its kind.
2001 – Bodo Guenther Germany
Bodo was the European builder for over twenty years, and was instrumental in the development and growth of the Class in Europe.
2000 – Sidney Dakin
Sid made significant contributions with his racing success in the early days of the Shark Class, contributing significantly to the growth and development of the Class.
1999 – Tad Grygier
Tad was founder of and first president of the International Shark Class Association.