In Recognition of Harry Anderson
ITMA has lost one of its longest-standing friends and allies with the passing of Harry Anderson, who devoted much of his life to the betterment of the 12mR Class. Harry’s involvement with the 12s was multi-faceted, including a term as ITMAs President and as an Honorary Chairman dating back to 1982.
From his first sail on Gleam (US-11) as a boy, to working as bowman on Harold Vanderbilt’s Vim (US-15) during his college years, to his last sail on Weatherly (US-17), Harry cherished the 12s and his years of America’s Cup campaigns with them. His remarkable experience included serving as official liaison to President Eisenhower during the 1958 America’s Cup, participating on multiple America’s Cup Defender Selection Committees and providing Racing Rules expertise to the Liberty (US-40) team in 1983. Perhaps most notably, in 1980 he was the New York Yacht Club’s last Commodore to successfully defend the America’s Cup. Harry was Vice President of the International Yacht Racing Union (now World Sailing) from 1978-1986 and continued in various roles with the IYRU through 1994; in 1990, Harry was awarded the IYRU Gold Medal for his services to the organization.
With his experience came a knowledge of 12mR history as very few have ever had or ever will. I was fortunate to witness to his interaction with the 12s for nearly 4 decades– from our first meeting in 1978 through 2016, when he enjoyed his last 12mR sail onboard Weatherly (US-17). He took the helm for a good stint that day and at 95 years young, he still had a great feel and appreciation for sailing a 12mR.
The 12mR Class will never see another friend and advocate such as Harry Anderson and he will be missed by everyone who knew him.
— respectfully submitted by James Hilton
