Best umpire

Colorcraft-sponsored award won by New Zealander

Colorcraft, as part of its sponsorship of the Swedish Match Tour, and in support of the Colorcraft Umpire Program, presented the first annual 'Colorcraft Umpire Award' to New Zealand’s Wayne Boberg at the recent Investors Guaranty Presentation of the King Edward VII Gold Cup in Bermuda.

The Colorcraft Umpire Recognition Award recognizes the top umpire on the Swedish Match Tour, based upon the criteria of fairness, respect, and congeniality.

Over the past year, skippers, crew and event organizers had been asked to nominate one umpire for this honor, with the winner ultimately determined by representatives from Colorcraft and the Swedish Match Tour.

“In every sport, the role of the umpire or referee is vital for the success of the event, and match racing is no exception,” said Bundy Walker, Chairwoman of Colorcraft, when announcing Boberg as the winner.

Unfortunately, Boberg was unable to be in Bermuda, so John Doerr, chief umpire for the week, accepted on his behalf.

However, Boberg did offer several prepared remarks including, “To be honoured in this fashion, by those you serve, is a very humbling experience and please be assured that I hold this award in the very highest regard…on behalf of the umpiring fraternity my thanks to Colorcraft for their sponsorship of this award.”