Dave was the perfect gentlemen on and off the water. I never heard him raise his voice, never saw him try to pull of any questionable move. He raced as hard as he could, but was always within the letter and spirit of the rules. I wish I was more like him.
At this time, and at the request of many of Dave's friends in the class, I would like to ask you to raise a glass in toast to Dave Cahn.... Dave Cahn...
Many of you have seen some of the e-mails about Dave from his many friends in the 505 class. While I was racing the Europeans and the Lake Garda European Cup event earlier this year, conversation with 505 sailors frequently turned to Dave. It amazes me how many people remember Dave, and recall laughing with him; somehow we were always smiling or laughing when we were with him. For many of us, Dave was the person we most wanted to be standing next to at the bar after a 505 race.
I think it important to note that in the 505 class we do not only respect the winners. Dave probably never won a 505 regatta in his life, but he was respected and admired by many in the class, none-the-less.
A number of 505 sailors believe that Dave should be remembered and honored within the 505 class. After some discussions 
this trophy - the Dave Cahn Sportsmanship Trophy - a perpetual trophy was created. The trophy is for the Dave Cahn brand of sportsmanship. All American Section 505 sailors are eligible. Donations to cover the material costs of this trophy have been received from around the 505 world. This beautiful trophy was created by Guck, Inc. which has donated the time to build this trophy.
Nominations for the Dave Cahn sportsmanship trophy for each year are sent to the American Section secretary, reviewed by a committee, and voted on by American Section members at the American Section Annual Meeting.
I would now like to call upon International 505 Class Yacht Racing Association President Pip Pearson - who raced with Dave at the '97 Worlds - and long time 505 racer Dennis Surtees - who also raced with Dave - to present the Dave Cahn trophy for Sportsmanship in the 505 Class, for 1998.
The winners of the Dave Cahn Sportsmanship trophy for 1998 are Eric Willis and Wendy Herzburg. Eric and Wendy are new to the 505 class. They bought an old Hamlin, completely refurbished it, and have been racing it in the San Francisco Bay area fleet for the last two years. They are unfailingly enthusiastic about 505 racing, and after review by the Dave Cahn trophy committee and vote by the members of the American Section, have been chosen to receive the Dave Cahn Sportsmanship trophy for 1998. Unfortunately they were not able to participate in the World Championship, and are not here to accept the trophy. I would like to ask Bruce Edwards of the same fleet as Eric and Wendy to accept the trophy on their behalf. Thank you very much.