There are also one-of-a-kind awards... sometimes special recognition or humorous awards. One popular award in the past has been the "Boom Stop" award. Another recent one is the Polywog award recognizing the new sailor and/or member whose excitement and enthusiasm for sailing and the sailing community embodies the spirit of the Barefoot Sailing Club. These are fun, and at least mostly tasteful, awards that members personally present.

A BFSC member noted "As a new member, Alynna has enthusiastically dived right in.... volunteering at the BFO, and for both cruises and races."

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The Spark Plug award recognizes the member who has provided a special "spark" that was otherwise missing.  They contributed to the success of the club by having taken on a special project, organized an activity, volunteered or pitched in when there was a need, or reached out to its members. The member may have been the catalyst to make things happen or to get something done. Or, the member may have engendered enthusiasm and/or participation in club activities. 
 

Vice Commodore Bill Anchors noted: "While Favored End was parked in my driveway waiting for the new motor, Debbie took it upon herself to clean, sand, and paint the decking. Later, she painted the helm, refinished the teak trim, and cleaned/painted the exterior. She pushed me into helping perform more cosmetic improvements on FE than I would have otherwise done.

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Debbie has volunteered to help with social events, organized the BFO silent auction and has supported me in the VC role. 

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​In spite of her upcoming surgery, she has accepted the responsibility of Social Captain for 2025.

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​Her energy and enthusiasm is contagious!"

Usually nominated by the Racing Captain, but if club members have nominees, please submit.  The Skipper of the Year is a member who is skilled at the helm.  S/he also demonstrates a great deal of sportsmanship on the water during a race.  S/he promotes racing for the betterment of the sport and club participation. 
 

Racing Captain Chico noted, "If I could I will give an award to the top 4 people because they kept the spirit of BF racing going showing-up to all the races for both seasons. It commendable showing-up and racing all the races for both seasons. However, given than we need to choose one – the person with the most wins Jeff takes the win!

Although Jeff is in a different class – I did re-adjust some numbers to make it a little more fair. You can see also that Kathy and Tedd are tied if Jeff is too humble" 😊

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The Crew of the Year Award recognizes the member who, in a position other than skipper, has contributed to the "success" of the boat/team. The member may have crewed either on racing or cruising boats or both. Crew may have been particularly skilled, dependable or supportive of the skipper's objectives, may have provided consistency or cohesion to the team or may have ensured that gear or provisions were in order, so the skipper could focus on other concerns. The crew may have taken initiative to better her/himself and thereby improved the overall team.

A BFSC member noted,"Mark has joined the Taka crew for several races - especially when regular crewmates (like myself) couldn't make this year's race series. And as I hear it, he's been a great asset to Team Taka."
 

The Cruiser of the Year Award recognizes the member who embraces or, by example, personifies non-competitive sailing (cruising) activities. The member may have organized or participated in local or blue-water cruising events, entertained in a cruising environment, embarked on a cruising lifestyle, provided coaching during cruising events, or derived or imparted joy and/or enthusiasm for cruising events.

A BFSC member noted, "Norman has gone above and beyond in organizing cruising trips for fellow Barefooters over the years.  He also served as our cruising captain for many years."

"Norman has demonstrated to the club what a true cruiser is.  He loves the adventure, the thrill and the chill of being on the water whenever and wherever he can."
 

Each year, the BFSC Commodore may present the Life Achievement Award to a deserving member who has contributed to the sport of sailing over a number of years and in a number of ways. The award is given in memory of Don Martin and while this is not a nominated award, the commodore appreciates receiving recommendations for consideration. 

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Commodore Lisa noted, 

"This award recipient has gone above and beyond his duties as a racer, cruiser, crew, and BFSC member.  He has helped sailing friends cross the Atlantic to the Bahamas and back on more than one occasion.  He helps others fix their boats in exotic places.  Stateside, this fellow Barefooter supports racing, and cruising with our club.  He extends open invitations to novice sailors throughout the year.  He even gives up regatta awards to new young sailors for encouragement.  

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When faced with running aground during a race, this guy had to start his engine to get moving again.  He could have called it a day, but chose to finish the race knowing that it would result in a DNF.   This is sportsmanship at the highest level.​

Not only is this guy a great sailor, he is just an all around good person.  I am honored to award the Don Martin Life Achievement award to Tedd Meinersmann."

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