Captain George E. Glaeser*

Coach • 1955-1987 • Tabor Boy

George Glaeser graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy at King’s Point in 1944 with a Bachelor of Science degree and began his career teaching seamanship and navigation at his alma mater. Upon receiving his commission in the U.S. Navy, he initially sailed on WWII supply convoys for which he was awarded the Atlantic War Zone Bar. Later, he served as a Second and Chief officer with merchant ships of the Cuba Mail Line and as a Master with Farrell Lines.

In 1955, Glaeser arrived at Tabor to take command of the school’s flagship, Tabor Boy, and to chair the waterfront department. He also served as assistant wrestling coach in the winter months. He quickly moved to incorporate his military discipline and values into the operations of Tabor Boy, which included organizing the crew into cadets and officers with responsibilities commensurate with their ranks. On Wednesday afternoons, the crew would sail on Buzzards Bay learning the handling of the ship. With his Unlimited Master’s License, which allowed any size ship in any ocean, Cap expanded the Tabor Boy’s offshore sailing program with spring break sails to Bermuda and the Bahamas, followed by two trips to Bermuda in the summer despite only the basic navigational tools of a sextant and radio direction finder.

Captain Glaeser made certain that Tabor Boy played a unique ambassadorial role, representing Tabor in the Tall Ships ’76 program and at ports in northern Nova Scotia, throughout New England and in the Caribbean. The American Sail Training Association awarded him their Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999, one year before he passed away. In response to the many generous gifts made to Tabor Academy in his memory, the George E. Glaeser Endowed Memorial Scholarship was established in 2003 and continues today to support need-based scholars in Cap’s memory.

In addition, the George E. Glaeser Tabor Boy Fund was also established to ensure that the program continues to be supported. As a mentor and teacher, Captain Glaeser inspired his crews and students to pursue their aspirations, whether their "life’s voyage" be on land or sea, for over three decades.

AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS:

• Director of Sea Ranger Program
• Marine Consultant – Sea Education Afloat
• Director of American Sail Training Association