United States Merchant Marine Academy

Captain Charles A. "Joe" Prosser was the Sailing Master at Kings Point for 21 years, earning the respect and admiration of the Regiment of Midshipman along the way. Prosser arrived at the Academy in 1965 for a six month job as skipper of the 12-meter yacht Weatherly, but after examining the Academy first hand, he fell in love with the Midshipman and gave up his Canadian Citizenship to work here permanently. A Grand Banks fisherman and decorated Royal Naval Officer, Captain Joe embodied the true sailor with his tattooed forearms and salty tongues. His waterfront offered a release from regimental and academic life, but not from life’s demands. With his trademark socks – one red, on green, like a ships running lights – Captain Joe was a familiar figure throughout college sailing. During his tenure, the Academy’s dingy team won four National Championships and hundreds of other awards. He was inducted into the intercollegiate Yacht Racing Hall of Fame in 1984. His legacy of tireless dedication to the midshipman lives on through one of the nation’s most successful waterfront sailing programs. Captain Joe passed away at the Academy in 1986 at the age of 67.