Butch Ulmer

Charles “Butch” Ulmer is a legendary sailor, sailmaker, and race officer with a lifetime of contributions to the sport. Growing up in a sailmaking family, he carried on his father’s legacy by expanding Ulmer Sails into what is now UK Sailmakers. A standout competitor, Butch honed his skills at the U.S. Naval Academy, winning the McMillen Cup and competing in the 1964 Finn Class Olympic Trials. Beyond racing, he revolutionized sail design with innovations like the radial head spinnaker and dedicated over 30 years to race management and safety education. A past commodore of the Storm Trysail Club and a longtime leader in the sailing community, Butch’s 2024 induction into the Sailing Hall of Fame cements his legacy as a true pioneer of the sport.