From Sam Crichton, Clagett Sailing Media Contact
NEWPORT, R.I. (September 17, 2023) – Clagett Sailing coach Betsy Alison (Newport, R.I) has proved that it is perseverance and determination that results in a gold medal, taking home the World Champion crown at the Allianz Sailing World Championships in The Hague four weeks ago.
In recognition of this achievement the Newport City Council at their annual Council meeting proclaimed September 13 2023 as Betsy Alison Day in Newport, Rhode Island.
As a member of the US Sailing Team who raced in the Hanse 303 Women’s fleet, Alison along with her four fellow Para sailors, Jim Thweatt (San Fransisco, C.A.) in the Men’s Hanse 303 class, John Seepe (Erie, P.A.) in the 2.4mR class and Maureen McKinnon (Salem, M.A.) and Shan McAdoo (Essex, M.A.) sailing together in the RS Venture Connect class, were supported in their efforts by Team Clagett. All five of the para sailors are alumni of Clagett Sailing and have benefitted from the commitment it has made to supporting sailors with disabilities as they strive for their goals as they Reach for Success.
Alison has been a coach with Clagett Sailing for 15 years at Clagett Sailing fleet racing regattas in Newport R.I. and has been the most successful Para Sailing coach for the last 25 years.
“I am so honored by the local community and the City Council to receive this proclamation. If I can encourage just one person to look forward and look for your passion, I have achieved my goal. I am overwhelmed and honored by the support I have received from the sailing community, my friends and the greater Newport community. I am overwhelmed with gratitude as I receive this proclamation tonight,” commented an overcome Alison upon her receiving her proclamation to a huge round of applause from the gathered group of Council meeting attendees.
Clagett Sailing Co-Founder and President Judy Clagett McLennan spoke about Alison, “Betsy has been a constant support to sailors with disabilities especially at the Clagett regattas as a coach and mentor and to now be a sailor with a disability herself and to have won the only gold medal for the entire Team USA at the recent Sailing World Championships is a testament to her determination. She epitomizes the Clagett Sailing motto “Reach for Success.”
For more information about Clagett Sailing please visit: www.clagettsailing.org