Marblehead disabled sailor receives leadership award

Marblehead disabled sailor Maureen McKinnon-Tucker, who won a Gold Medal at the Paralympics in China last year despite several major setbacks, was honored June 6 with the annual Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award.The award, presented during the Women’s Sailing Conference at the Corinthian Yacht Club, was created to honor the male or female who has a record of achievement in giving something back to the sailing community as well as inspiring and educating women. The event was co-sponsored by BoatU.S. and the National Women’s Sailing Association.McKinnon’s victory was inspirational because it beat the odds. She was left paralyzed by a fall from a seawall, but went on to become a mother of two and a competitive sailor. But the circumstances in China were dire because McKinnon-Tucker’s younger son was undergoing treatment following brain surgery, and her sailing partner, Nick Scandone, was losing a battle to Lou Gehrig’s Disease.Despite the obstacles, she and Scandone went on to win the gold in the SKUD-18 class of specially-modified sailboats. Scandone, of California, died shortly after the Paralympics were over.In presenting the award at the conference, Elaine Dickinson, coordinator of BoatU.S.’ Women in Boating initiative, said, “Maureen’s indomitable spirit and upbeat attitude are the essence of what leadership is all about. She turned adversity into achievement and inspires everyone who meets her or hears her story.”McKinnon-Tucker was unable to accept the award in person because she was competing in a race the same day in New York.