SCANDONE and BARKOW Honoured

Nick SCANDONE (Fountain Valley, California) and Sally BARKOW (Nashotah, Wisconsin) each have had plenty of regatta victories to celebrate in their lives, but yesterday the sailors glowed in the national spotlight as US SAILING’s Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year.

Honored with the country’s highest sailing accolade at a luncheon in Manhattan at the New York Yacht Club, SCANDONE and BARKOW

Nick Scandone © US SAILING

accepted engraved Rolex timepieces, symbols of outstanding on-water achievement in the calendar year just concluded.

SCANDONE was recognized for his extremely successful year sailing the 2.4mR, a singlehanded boat used in the Paralympic Games.  Among his accomplishments was winning the class’s World Championship in Italy last fall.

 ‘My goal is to win a Paralympic gold medal in 2008,’ said SCANDONE, ‘ but until then, this is my gold medal.’

BARKOW was recognized for her versatility and consistency, both abroad and at home, after winning a string of noteworthy international events – including two world championships – in four different keelboat classes.

Sally BARKOW © US SAILING

‘It feels great to win this,’ said BARKOW, who hopes to represent the USA at the 2008 Olympic Summer Games.  ‘It shows that our team has done a good job this past year, and we hope to continue with our successes.’