Rhode Island has a long and storied maritime heritage–and the Ocean State is home to a high concentration of marine-trades companies, boating organizations, and a distinguished roster of industry leaders and world-class sailors. These individuals and organizations have served to expand our sport and move the Rhode Island marine trades forward.
The RIMTA awards, listed below with their past recipients, recognize the achievements of many of these individuals and organizations.
The John H. Chafee Boater of the Year Award is given to an individual who has contributed to the success of the recreational boating industry in Rhode Island or who has championed the cause of bringing recreational boating to the public.
- 2001 Ted Hood, Sr.
- 2002 Halsey C. Herreshoff
- 2004 Dr. A. R. C. Wallace
- 2005 James Noon
- 2006 Luther Blount
- 2007 Jim Long
- 2008 Ken Kubic
- 2009 Ken Read
- 2010 Sheila McCurdy
- 2011 Paul Harden
- 2012 Janet Coit
- 2013 Rome Kirby
- 2014 Bart Dunbar
- 2015 Neal Harrell
- 2016 Kate Wilson
- 2017 Kim Hapgood
The RIMTA Anchor Award is presented to a person or organization who, by their work and efforts, brings international attention to the marine-trades industry in Rhode Island. RIMTA presents up to two Anchor Awards each year.
- 2012 Brad Read
- 2012 Ken Read
- 2013 Peter Van Lancker
- 2013 Senator Sheldon Whitehouse
- 2014 Eric Goetz
- 2014 Sally Helme
- 2015 Sail Newport
- 2015 Discover Newport
- 2016 Newport Shipyard
- 2017 Newport Exhibition Group
- 2018 Susan Maffei Plowden
- 2019 Cynthia Goss
The J. Michael Keyworth Rising Tide Award is a meritorious honor presented to an individual who has effected positive and lasting change for the Rhode Island marine industry — a person whose efforts embody the phrase, “A rising tide lifts all boats.”
- 2015 J. Michael Keyworth
Founders of the J. Michael Keyworth Rising Tide Award
- Al Conti Snug Harbor Marina
- Bill Munger Conanicut Marine
- Brad Read Sail Newport
- Brandon Kidd Pirate Cove Marina
- Carter Gowrie Gowrie Group
- Dick Cromwell Maritime Solutions
- Don Vivenzio Point Judith Marina
- Eric Goetz Goetz Composites
- Fred Bieberbach, Jr. Bravo Marine
- Keith Yeoman Nautor Swan USA East
- Lynn Fiorenzano Silver Spring Marine
- Matt Gineo Oldport Marine Services
- Nancy Piffard Newport Exhibition Group
- Paul Harden New England Institute of Technology
- Phil Garland Hall Spars & Rigging
- Rives Potts Brewer Yacht Yard Group
- Steve Prime Gowrie Group
- Tom Rich New England Boatworks