Bill Buchan’s first of three Star World Championships win was in 1961, which set him firmly on a course that landed him in Annapolis last Sunday where he was inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame. In addition to his three Star World Championship wins, he has an Olympic gold medal to his credit and regatta and race wins too numerous to mention. Over the decades his various big boats have been consistently at the top of the results.
Buchan also skippered Intrepid in the 1974 America’s Cup defender trials, coming very close to being chosen to defend the America’s Cup.
What really sets the soft-spoken and approachable Buchan apart is the way he sails. He is a tough competitor who has earned the respect of his competitors while being a gentleman on and off the water. He is an all around sailor, equally at home sailing small boats, large boats or even building them.
Congratulations, Bill, from Northwest Yachting and the nwyachting.com crew. And thanks to his daughter-in-law Carol for contributing these candid shots!
Some of the Buchan clan, from left, Carl, Mara Bohnman , their father Bill and Carol.
Bill and Karen Buchan
Bill Buchan at the National Sailing Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
As part of the induction, the Hall of fame took inductees and family members out on classic boats on Saturday. the Buchans were aboard Windalier, an S&S 58′ yawl.
1 comment
All of us in the Puget Sound area have Bill to thank for his huge contribution to sailing. Bill is one of the GENTLEMEN of the Yachting World and has set himself apart as one of the finest examples of what a SAILOR should be and what competition is all about.
We all thank you Bill and it is always a pleasure to get to share stories and conversation with you. Congratulations on winning this fine award, to a life time of sailing and being the perfect example of the finest in yachting.
Rob Mitchell