November 4, 2021
A recipient of the R.D. Hinsch Sailing Scholarship, Colin Dubose is entering his junior year at Hobart and William Smith Colleges majoring in Economics. Among his class offerings, Colin has been especially interested in Meteorology, given his background as a sailor.
Colin is an active member of the HWS sailing team, commenting that, “the level of competition in college is much higher than high school and HWS is a very competitive team, ranked #10 in the nation. I participated in regattas at the US Naval Academy US Maritime Academy, Cornell University and Georgetown University. The HWS team secured a berth at the Collegiate Sailing Nationals in New Orleans this past May. I was challenged this past year, but I worked very hard to improve my skills and learn as much as I could about strategy in team sailing.”
Colin was ultimately recognized by his coaches as the Sailing Rookie of the Year. Colin has also participated in community service with the sailing team, including clean-ups around Seneca Lake and downtown Geneva.
“I am very grateful to Ms. Hinsch for her generous support of my collegiate career through the R.D. Hinsch Collegiate Sailing Scholarship,” said Colin. “I know that I am very fortunate to attend a wonderful school and to be able to compete at the highest levels in collegiate sailing. I am committed to making the most of my college experience both on and off the water and look forward to keeping you updated on my progress.”
About the R.D. Hinsch Collegiate Sailing Scholarship
Whether on the open ocean or a small lake, sailing requires the sort of agility, strength, and mental sharpness that yield countless other benefits in a sailor’s life.
It’s among the reasons Ralph Hinsch so loved sailing at the Nyack Boat Club. Like his father, Ralph started sailing at a young age and kept at the sport throughout his life.
“He was always racing,” recalls Elaine Hinsch of her husband. “If we went out on a boat, even if it was the Queen Mary up against us, he’d want to see if we could beat them.”
When Ralph Hinsch passed away in 2001, Elaine was overwhelmed with stories from their friends at the Nyack Boat Club and from other sailing organizations about how Ralph had helped them become better sailors.
“It’s what he was known for,” she says. “Always providing that help, that tip on how to win the next race.”
Through these relationships, the Hinsches found the sailing community to be like family. And so Elaine decided that she would support this family, and honor Ralph’s memory, through a collegiate sailing scholarship.
The R.D. Hinsch Collegiate Sailing Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of New Jersey, seeks to expand the benefits of sailing – namely skill building and in social activity settings. The fund provides one scholarship of up to $12,000 to a graduating high school senior or current undergraduate student who demonstrates an active and continued interest in sailing.
“He always thought sailing was the greatest thing kids could do,” says Elaine. “What is wonderful about this scholarship fund, is that we are helping young people develop an interest in the sport and start to experience some of these benefits.”
By partnering with the Community Foundation, Elaine is able to focus on the good work of the fund and have a staff member handle the administration, from contacting universities to corresponding with applicants. “It’s all so much easier for me,” she says.
The Community Foundation of New Jersey is proud to work with Elaine Hinsch in honoring the memory of her husband – “a sailor’s sailor” – Ralph D. Hinsch.
To learn more about the R.D. Hinsch Sailing Scholarship or to create a scholarship fund of your own, please contact Faith Krueger at 973-267-5533 or fkrueger@cfnj.org.