Nathaniel H. Batchelder, Jr.
Sailing
Graduation Year
1939
Induction Year
1998
Hall of Fame
Hall of Fame
Harvard Athletic Achievements
Harvard captured its third McMillan Cup, for the Intercollegiate Large Boat competition, in June 22-24, 1938, off Osterville, Massachusetts, as Brown, MIT, Pennsylvania, and Trinity competed for the first time under a reorganized ICYRA. John F. Kennedy ’40, with a crew of James Rousmaniere ’40 and Edward B. Hutton ’39 sailed one Harvard boat, while P. Loring Reed, Jr. ’40 and the 35th president’s elder borther, Joseph P. Kenndy, Jr. ’38, divided the other skipper assignment. The Crimson topped a 10-college field, heavy with captains later to achieve yachting renown, by 114 ½ points to Dartmouth’s 107 and Williams’ 106 ¼.
Hall of Fame
Remembering Harvard Athletics
I was no end surprised to learn that I was to be inducted into the Varsity Club Hall of Fame. I never expected it, and I never expected it to be for sailing. Rather, I thought it might be for fencing, for which I was on the varsity for three years and captain the last year. It is true that I grew up with Wianno Seniors. My parents and I, and later my wife and I, raced a cruised in #13, the Prodigal Pig, for many years. Eventually, cruising demanded more creature comforts that the Wianno Senior provided, and I sold her to buy a Pearson sloop. Much as we enjoyed the Prodigal Pig, I was never wildly successful in the racing department. Thus I was honored to be asked to join the Harvard crew and honored again to be inducted to the Varsity Club Hall of Fame. It is very heartwarming to feel that my modest contributions are so officially recognized. I look forward to the evening of October 2nd with real enthusiasm and offer sincere thanks to all concerned.
