Eight Bells: Ginny Long

Virginia “Ginny” Long

Virginia “Ginny” Long passed away on May 3 after a lengthy and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Ginny served as US Sailing’s Training Director and was the first professional hired in this role by the national governing body. She worked tirelessly to grow US Sailing’s education programs and helped launch a number of events including the National Junior Sailing Symposium and Community Sailing Conference, the precursors to the National Sailing Programs Symposium (NSPS).

She was intimately involved in the National Faculty, a group of volunteer subject experts who collectively exchange ideas and best practices for sailing education in the U.S.

US Sailing named an award after Ginny for her longtime service and dedication to sailing education. The Virginia Long Sail Training Service & Support Award honors individuals who, through their efforts, unselfishly assist and enable a sailing program or sailing instruction in a supportive role. The award has been given out by US Sailing since 1998.

Ginny was a pioneer in the sailing education and training community. She will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know her.