From George Isdale’s nominator:

George “Dooie” Isdale Jr., past commodore of the New York Yacht Club, has been an active competitor in world class sailing events, but he will be best remembered for his selfless promotion of the sport of sailing.

Anticipating the 150^th anniversary of the first America’s Cup, then Commodore Isdale, in cooperation with his counterpart at the United Kingdom’s Royal Yacht Squadron, conceived of and brought to fruition, the America’s Cup Jubilee in 2001. The event, heralded by the press as perhaps the greatest sailing regatta ever to be held, attracted 207 invited yachts from around the world (including many past Cup competitors). The event was a “spectators’ delight” attracting some 10,000 spectator boats and extensive global media attention.

Dooie is also the founder and a current director of the New York Sailing Foundation, a not-for-profit, organized in 2000 to support the athletic campaigns of United States’ sailors. To date, the Foundation has raised over $4 million to support, among others, American Olympians. Further, Dooie has served on many other not-for-profits dealing with sailing. His chosen charities always share a common thread – promoting the well-being of the sport of sailing in America.

Accomplishments and Honors

• 2001, Conceived of and brought to fruition the America’s Cup Jubilee.
• 2000, Co-founder of the Sailing Foundation of New York (SFNY).