A LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Museum Honors Tom Whidden By Sherri Ramella

On October 23, the Museum’s 15th annual America and the Sea Award Gala honored Thomas A. Whidden, President and CEO of North Technology Group, 2004 inductee into America’s Cup Hall of Fame, and 2017 inductee into the National Sailing Hall of Fame. This highest honor of Mystic Seaport Museum was established in 2006 to celebrate those who embrace the scholarship, exploration, adventure, aesthetics, competition, and freedom that the sea inspires.

Whidden, who grew up in Connecticut and spent his childhood sailing on Long Island Sound, has had an extraordinary career both on and off the water as an accomplished tactician for Dennis Conner in eight America’s Cup campaigns, winning three, and as a revolutionary sailmaker, bringing sailmaking from the manufacturing of paneled sails in a vast network of sail lofts to the current centrally managed, technologically driven, manufacturing system. Thanks to the remarkable vision of Whidden, North Sails has become a leader in the industry, with every America’s Cup winner and every Volvo Ocean Race winner choosing to race with North Sails since 1992 and 1993, respectively.

In his wonderfully modest, graceful demeanor, Whidden remarked on receiving the award, “What a wonderful honor it is to be this year’s recipient. I have spent my life racing sailboats and making products that make those boats perform their best. For me to be recognized alongside other abundantly accomplished previous honorees, for doing what I most love, by the most prominent maritime museum in the United States, is a dream come true.”

COVID-19 did not stop us from celebrating—safely of course! A small group of Whidden’s family and friends gathered in person in the River Room of Latitude 41° Restaurant in keeping with Connecticut’s COVID-19 guidelines. From there, the event was livestreamed to more than 200 guests joining virtually from Martha’s Vineyard to New York to Florida to Los Angeles. Guests joined from their living rooms, their boats and docks, and in small groups from their yacht clubs. Whidden was presented the award by fellow Hall of Fame Sailor and 8th America and the Sea Award Recipient Gary Jobson, and congratulations came from around the world with remarks from singer/songwriter/sailor Jimmy Buffett; from New Zealand, New York Yacht Club’s America’s Cup contender American Magic Skipper Terry Hutchinson; from Switzerland, Sir Lindsay Owens-Jones, L’Oréal Honorary Chairman and owner of Magic Carpet 3; from France, Peter Dubens, Managing Partner of Oakley Capital and Chairman of North Sails Technology; and locally, Christopher J. Culver, Vice Commodore, NYYC; and Jes Staley, CEO, Barclays.

Whidden offers this advice to today’s youth, “Don’t be afraid to dream big and to follow your passion in life. Don’t do it for the money, and don’t do it because your parents told you to. Do it for yourself. You’ll be amazed how it could work out, and how happy you will be.”

The virtual event generated $538,384 through sponsorships, single tickets, live and silent auctions, and a virtual paddle-raise appeal. The Museum would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the gala committee, the Board of Trustees, and the myriad supporters who gave in honor of Tom Whidden and to further the mission of Mystic Seaport Museum.