Newport, RI: The American Sail Training Association (ASTA) is pleased to announce the establishment of the Henry H. Anderson, Jr. Endowment. The endowment will ensure the ongoing activities and viability of the American Sail Training Association and help ASTA to achieve its mission to encourage character building through sail training, promote sail training to the North American public, and support education under sail.

The endowment campaign will culminate in Harry Anderson’s 90th Birthday Gam, a gala fundraising event which will take place on June 18, 2011 at NYYC’s Harbour Court in Newport, RI.

Henry H. ("Harry") Anderson, Jr. has dedicated his life to sailing and along the way has inspired many young people to follow his course. Commodore Anderson’s first competitive sailing event was the 1936 Newport – Bermuda Race in which he sailed at the age of 15. That early adventure began what has become a highly distinguished and internationally renowned avocation. Commodore Anderson has served as Chairman of the American Sail Training Association, Commodore of the New York Yacht Club and on several America’s Cup Race Committees, once as Chairman. He worked as one of the first Executive Directors of the North American Yacht Racing Union and later as a member of US Sailing’s Appeals Committee. He is co-author of The Centennial History of the United States Sailing Association.

A co-founder of Yale Sailing Associates, Commodore Anderson sailed for Yale from 1939 to 1943 and is also well-known in international circles as a past vice-president of the International Yacht Racing Union and as a judge on the international collegiate racing circuit for more than 52 years. A strong supporter of youth competitive sailing, Commodore Anderson played a critical role in establishing the University of Rhode Island’s Sailing Center and fleet of 420s. He has served for more than 30 years on the Board of Directors of his high school alma mater, Ransom Everglades School in Coconut Grove, Florida, which hosted the 1997 Interscholastic Sailing Championships, and has named both its Sailing Center and its Gymnasium in his honor.

Henry H. Anderson, Jr. was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Sail Training Association at its 1998 Annual Conference on Sail Training and Tall Ships and 10 years later at its 2008 Annual, was presented with a Special Recognition Award for his achievements and continuing support of the ASTA mission. Commodore Anderson has also been awarded the Nathanael G. Herreshoff Trophy by US Sailing for his “outstanding contribution to sailing in America” in 1979, and he received the Beppe Croce Award from the International Sailing Federation in 1996. He has also received the Richard S. Nye Trophy from Cruising Club of America and been awarded an Honorary Degree from the University of Rhode Island.

“In June, I shall reach four score and ten,” said Commodore Anderson. “Having been Chairman of ASTA, now Commodore emeritus, I hope to use the occasion of my 90th to provide a legacy in support of ASTA’s mission – offering education and adventure under sail for boys and girls – to establish a robust endowment of $1.5 million. This is a clarion call asking my friends, shipmates, and old and new hands to participate. What greater accolade to a chap in his twilight years?”

The American Sail Training Association (ASTA) is the established and recognized hub for tall ship activity, information, and expertise in North America and has been commended by the U.S. Congress as the official Sail Training Organization for the United States. A dynamic 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization devoted to the advancement of sail training and educational opportunities under sail and the preservation of the maritime heritage of North America, since 1973, ASTA has supported education under sail and youth character development aboard tall ships. ASTA represents over 200 member vessel operations in the U.S. and worldwide, and their activities directly support youth education and leadership development programs that profoundly shape young people’s lives and help build tomorrow’s leaders.

For tickets to the event or for more information contact:

The American Sail Training Association

Tel +1 401 846–1775, Fax +1 401 849–5400

Or visit ASTA’s web site at http://www.sailtraining.org

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