Gail Heausler

Member of the Year

2025 

Gail Heausler is a distinguished Sunfish sailor renowned for her competitive achievements, leadership, and decades-long contributions to the sailing community.

In 2024, Gail demonstrated an extraordinary level of commitment to the Sunfish Class both on and off the water. She competed in the US Midwinters Race Week at Davis Island Yacht Club, which included the US National Championships, International Masters, and US Team Race Championships—where she also served as Regatta Chair. She continued to play a critical leadership role as the Florida Regional Representative and Women’s Coordinator, assisting with the organization of Women's North American events at The Dinghy Shop and Florida Regionals. Competitively, Gail had an outstanding year, winning the 2024 Sunfish Women’s North American Championship and placing as the 4th overall female (3rd among U.S. sailors) at both the US Nationals and the North American Championships.

Beyond her impressive 2024 season, Gail has left an indelible mark on the Sunfish sailing community over the years. She has served on the USSCA Board of Directors in multiple roles, including as Women’s Coordinator and Florida Regional Representative, often holding both positions simultaneously. Her leadership has helped foster a vibrant and inclusive community of women sailors and contributed to the strength and visibility of the Florida Region.

Gail is a six-time Sunfish Women’s North American Champion, with titles spanning from 1988 to 2024 (1988, 1991, 2003, 2016, 2019, and 2024), exemplifying both her skill and longevity in the sport.

Gail Heausler’s unwavering dedication, both competitively and administratively, has made her a cornerstone of the Sunfish Class. Her enduring impact and exemplary service make her a truly deserving recipient of the 2024 Member of the Year Award.

2025

Volunteer of the Year

John Butine and Chris Williams

Chris Williams and John Butine have played a pivotal role in the successful transition of the Sunfish class to a new builder, an effort that has been essential to the future of the USSCA. Their co-leadership and dedication earned them this well-deserved co-award.

Chris and John have each spent countless hours developing the builder’s manual and navigating the complex process of getting the boat and building procedures approved by World Sailing. They both made multiple visits to the Zim manufacturing plant to ensure a smooth launch of production.

John Butine, working more behind the scenes, focused on the technical and design aspects of the build. He took personal time off work to be hands-on at the plant, coauthored FAQs, reviewed articles, and provided clear, in-depth explanations to the sailing community.

Chris Williams has been the highly visible driving force of the transition, dedicating a major part of his life over the past year to this initiative. He worked closely with ISCA leadership and the builder, acting as a key liaison between USSCA and ISCA. His tireless commitment—even working late nights, answering questions on vacation, and authoring detailed communications—has kept the effort moving forward without missing a beat. His leadership, energy, and practical wisdom have inspired everyone involved.

Together, Chris and John’s teamwork, technical expertise, and commitment have made an extraordinary impact on the ISCA class and its future.

2025 

Youth of the Year

Brady Schultz

Brady Schultz is an accomplished young sailor who won the 2024 Youth North American Championship for Sunfish and is now heading to the World Championships in Ecuador. Beyond his personal success, Brady is deeply committed to giving back to the sailing community. At Westhampton Yacht Club, he serves as a coach and mentor, connecting with sailors of all ages and skill levels. He launched a popular new racing clinic focused on teens and adults, known for his engaging and highly effective teaching style.

In addition to his sailing achievements, Brady excels academically with aspirations to become a pediatric surgeon, takes leading roles in high school theater, and spends his summers as a sailing instructor at Westhampton Yacht Squadron. He also supports his local community by regularly stocking a free food pantry.

Brady stands out not only as a top competitor but also as a passionate, knowledgeable leader who's shaping the next generation of sailors and consistently representing USSCA with excellence.