Alfie Sanford To Receive 2025 Caldwell Heritage Award From Egan Maritime Institute

The Egan Maritime Institute has announced Alfred “Alfie” Sanford III as the recipient of the 2025 Caldwell Heritage Award, recognizing his lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting Nantucket’s maritime heritage.

“What I’m being called out for isn't really work, but what my life has been all about,” Sanford told the Current on Monday. “It’s just what I like, and what I do.”

The Caldwell Heritage Award is awarded to individuals who play a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Nantucket’s maritime heritage, including its lifesaving traditions and narrative history. It is named for Bob Caldwell, the founder of the Nantucket Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum, the first of its kind in the country.

“As an organization, Egan Maritime Institute is committed to ensuring that Nantucket’s maritime past continues to be woven into the present, preserving its stories and traditions for future generations. The creation of the Caldwell Heritage Award is an example of how Caldwell's legacy continues to influence the organization today,” Egan Maritime Institute executive director Carlisle Jensen said.

The co-founder of the Sanford Boat Company, Sanford is a sailor, boatbuilder, and author whose work in crafting Alerion Class Sloops helped revitalize traditional wooden boatbuilding. He has also mentored Nantucket residents who went on to have maritime careers, helping to educate a number of young islanders about his crafts.

“I’ve had a bunch of kids sailing on my boat with me, and they really learn in depth,” he said. “For those five or ten kids, I’m sure it has been very important to them.”

Sanford, who was raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, before moving to the island, has been an owner and manager on Old North Wharf for over 40 years, and has long advocated for waterfront restoration and recovery efforts. His books include “Wooden Boats for Blue Water Sailors” and “A Letter for Arabella.”

“Alfie’s quiet mentorship has inspired several to pursue careers on the water, continuing the island’s seafaring legacy,” Jensen said. “This spirit of hands-on education, heritage preservation, and community impact embodies the very mission of Egan Maritime Institute and reflects the ideals honored by the Caldwell Heritage Award.”

This year, the award is sponsored by Jessica and Drew Guff and will be presented to Sanford by Michelle Maturo, Caldwell’s granddaughter.