Calvin Brouwer
Sailor of Week: May 20-26
Earlier this month, Thames Yacht Club (TYC) in New London, Conn.
recently honored Calvin Brouwer for his 50 years of contributions to
race management. Under Calvin’s management, TYC has won numerous “Best
Race Management” awards from the Eastern Connecticut Sailing
Association (ECSA). Few have been as influential to the race management
community as Calvin.
For the past 30 years, Calvin has been the
club’s race secretary and number one race officer. He has done it all,
from the development of Notice of Races and sailing instructions to
serving as a Principle Race Officer (PRO). Calvin was the PRO for two
Ensign National Regattas, Force 5 North American Regatta, New London
Maritime Cup, The Great New London Ocean Race, Connecticut Governor’s
Regatta, and the TYC Commodore’s Trophy Race.
Calvin first
sailed with his father aboard his Snipe in 1954. Seven years later, at
the age of 13, Calvin was introduced to race management when he was
asked to help run a Chowder Series Race at the TYC. He’s been involved
with this area of the sport ever since. Calvin’s parents, two sisters
and brother all enjoy the sport. His mother, now 90 years old, had been
sailing into her late 80s. Today, Calvin owns three 110s and does
plenty of PHRF racing.
“Whether it’s racing or cruising, I like
the camaraderie most,” Calvin said. “No matter the event, you’re always
looking forward to talking with your friends, telling war stories, and
exchanging tales under the lee of the longboat.”