History of the Gandelman Trophy - as recalled by Tom Collins

In late 70's Walter Del Mar, then a vice-president of American Power Boat Association and chair of the Cruiser Division, led a move to spin off the North American Cruiser Association.  In Detroit at the NAI in 1979 a vote was taken and the spin off was affirmed (I was there and had worked with Walter on the split).  We brought all the trophies over from APBA including the Hall of Champions Trophy which was, as I recall, a less-than-impressive plaque. 

Lou Gandelman had been very involved in logging and had been instrumental in creating the NAI and was a moving force behind Walter seeking and attaining his position in charge of the Cruiser Division of APBA.  Lou was Commodore of the Del Rey Yacht Club in 1980 and, as I recall, he passed away during that year.  In honor of his years of service to our sport, he was posthumously appointed to the Hall of Fame for 1980. 

Lou's widow, Marge, who was a friend of Walter, asked Walter if NACA would accept a more fitting trophy to recognize those appointed to the Hall of Champions.  On Walter's confirmation, Marge purchased the figure in sterling silver armor from Tiffany's (I was told she paid $10,000) and had it mounted as a trophy.  She had the names of all previous recipients of the Hall of Fame, which dated back to 1974, inscribed on the Trophy.  It was then deeded to the NACA as the Lou Gandelman Hall of Champions Perpetual Trophy.  She also provided ten very nice plaques to be given the recipients and a fund to provide for the purchase of future plaques.

The trophy is very prestigious in its appearance and, being made entirely of sterling silver, is likely now very valuable in just its intrinsic value, and priceless with all of its history.

I'm not aware of where the deed may presently reside, nor do I have a copy of the wording.  The inscription on the Trophy states: "Awarded in recognition of outstanding contribution to the sport of predicted log racing".  It has always been awarded to an individual who has, over a period of time, has made a significant contribution to the promotion and support of the sport of predicted logging.  Performance in logging competition is not a consideration in the awarding of the Trophy. 

It is awarded by the consideration of a committee of the previous Trophy recipients then in attendance at the annual North American Invitational.  The NACA website states: "This award may be made at the discretion of the NACA Executive Committee upon recommendation of the prior recipients of the award."  In reality, the decision is made solely by a committee of the previous recipients and does not involve the Executive Committee.  I believe this change was made because at times the designee is a member of the Executive Committee.

The Gandelman Trophy is perhaps, one of the most significant trophies in the NACA collection.  It is certainly of a quality commensurate with that of its recipients.

Tom Collins, Sept. 2016