The Chicago Yachting Association's "Yachtsperson of the Year" Award was initiated in 1960. At that time, the criteria for this award was established by the Board of Directors of the Association as follows:

"The Yachtsperson of the Year shall have performed deeds and/or services of an exceptional nature, which have directly benefited the Chicago Yachting Association…"

and the Board stipulated that this criteria be faithfully sustained.