Paul “Bo” Bollinger, President and CEO of Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB), has been named the 2025 recipient of the Annapolis Boat Shows Distinguished Service Award, honoring his extraordinary leadership and dedication to making sailing accessible to all.
Since joining CRAB’s board in 2015 and stepping into the leadership role a year later, Bollinger has guided the organization through remarkable growth. What began as a small nonprofit with four boats at Sandy Point State Park has evolved into an internationally recognized adaptive sailing program based at the Annapolis Adaptive Boating Center, the world’s premier facility for sailors with disabilities, underprivileged youth, and recovering veterans.
The $3.1 million center, which opened in 2023, was made possible through partnerships with state, county, and city governments, along with significant private support. The facility also includes the Don Backe Learning Center, offering year-round therapeutic and educational programs such as yoga, art, and music.
Under Bollinger’s leadership, CRAB has expanded its partnerships and increased its service capacity by 50 percent. In 2024 alone, the organization hosted 96 sailing events serving more than 1,800 guests, with projections to exceed 2,000 in 2025.
Beyond CRAB, Bollinger has championed sailing as a platform for positive change. He founded the Wounded Warrior Sailing Regatta and co-created the Triple Crown of Charity Sailing Trophy, which raises awareness and funds for nonprofit sailing organizations across the Chesapeake.
“Bo Bollinger embodies what this award is all about: vision, leadership, and a genuine commitment to using boating to improve lives,” said representatives from Annapolis Boat Shows in announcing the award.
Bollinger’s contributions extend well beyond the docks. He has served on multiple community boards, including the Eastport Civic Association and the Bollinger Foundation, and holds a U.S. Coast Guard Master’s license. He and his wife, Elizabeth Stablein Bollinger, live in Annapolis and have two adult children and two grandsons.
The 2025 Distinguished Service Award was presented during the Sail America Industry Breakfast on October 10 in Annapolis.
