On February 11, 2006 - Chris Samsen was awarded  the Susie Trotman Trophy for Outstanding Sailing Instruction by the Junior Sailing Association of Long Island Sound. Chris was chosen out of many talented and worthy candidates because of his outstanding performance in leadership, sailing, teaching, racing techniques and his strong commitment to fair play. He was with DJST for 7 years as an instructor and in 2005 directed the then new Club 420 program, contributing his valuable expertise in racing.

Admired and respected by co-workers and sailors alike, Chris is a talented, hard-working sailing athlete who enjoys the challenge of instructing as much as he responds to the challenge of sailing the Long Island Sound. He was in the vanguard of the Darien Junior Sailing Team,  building a strong program that teaches young sailors the essential elements of performance boat handling, seamanship, and racing skills with an emphasis on teamwork and camaraderie.

Chris is a graduate of Darien High School, a former captain of the DHS Sailing Team and a 2007 graduate of Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT.

We are very proud to have worked with Chris. His daily comportment, attitude, generosity, and kindliness speak volumes about his strength of character and moral fiber.

Congratulations, Chris.

Susie Trotman Trophy
This Trophy, dedicated to Susie Trotman in 1997, recognizes outstanding sailing instruction at member clubs. The winner is chosen from a group of outstanding nominees from JSA LIS member clubs, selected as a result of letters from fellow instructors, kids' nominations, and letters from the programs management team.
(Excerpted from JSA-LIS)