Cuthbertson Trophy to Norman Castle

At the 1988 Sunfish World’s Championship in the Bahamas, 68-year-old, one-armed Norman Castle, of Lake Worth, Florida was selected to be the recipient of the 1988 Cuthbertson Trophy award. The Cuthbertson Trophy was given by the Barrington Yacht Club in 1986 to be stationed at Barrington, Rhode Island as a tribute to Ann and William Cuthbertson, Jr. as a reflection of their own joy, dignity and sportsmanship in the art of racing in the Sunfish Class. It is awarded to that contestant at the World’s Championship who exemplifies the best in sportsmanship attainable as determined by a popular vote of the contestants at that championship. In 1986 the award went to Alan Cook of Saudi Arabia, and in 1987 to Frederic Pinceau of Martinique. At the 1988 World’s awards banquet it was obvious that the fleet was proud that Norman Castle is a Sunfish sailor and moreover that he does so well (third place in the last race, 51st overall in his first World’s).

Qualifying for the World’s Championship had been Norman’s goal for years. When he got the notice that he had drawn a wild card slot he cancelled many previous commitments to fulfill this ambition—you never know if you’ll get another chance!
In that special last race, which was shortened from six legs to four, Norman tacked quickly to port after this typical late start at the starboard end (to avoid close entanglements and get clear air). He played the shifts carefully and kept very still so as not to disturb the delicate air flow. Most important over the whole race he kept his concentration as it got very uncomfortable. Norman came into his own, and as he crossed the finish line in third place the spectator fleet came alive with hoots, horns and cheers. Norman received a trophy for this third place finish (there were trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each race), and also was recognized as being the oldest competitor. So Norman Castle went home from his first World’s with three trophies!

Lois Blodgett described Norman

as the best competitor I’ve ever raced with. Norman is always a good sport and is happy no matter how he finishes. He never yells or gets mad at anyone. He is thrilled when he does well, but he also is the first one to tell you how well you did and is truly happy for you. Norman is always among the first to have his boat rigged and is there to help others. He is an inspiration to anyone who is new to sailing as well as all the sailors who are lucky enough to know him.