Portsmouth, R.I. (May 21, 2013) – The U.S. Olympic Sailing Program released “Vision 2024,” its plan to reshape the pathways to the Olympic podium. The plan, which is posted online, represents phase one (2013-2016) with a 10-step action plan. With a mission of creating sustainable performance in all aspects of Olympic class sailing and reshaping our Olympic pathways, Vision 2024 activates many of the recommendations made by the Olympic Pathways Committee, a subcommittee to the Olympic Sailing Committee (OSC) that recently reported to the OSC a comprehensive evaluation of youth development in the U.S.

“Vision 2024 is a road map to long-term success in U.S. Olympic sailing,” said Josh Adams, Managing Director of U.S. Olympic Sailing. “It defines the concepts that will build the base of high-performance sailors in this country. We are mindful that there is no one path to Olympic success. By building a strong foundation in high-performance boats, for both skippers and crews, the U.S. can earn successful and sustainable results in Olympic class racing.”

Vision 2024 is aligned with the U.S. Olympic Sailing Program’s three fundamental success factors: lead a culture of technical excellence, make domestic training a strength and build the base of sailors. The plan shows how the U.S. Olympic Sailing Program intends to work within the existing frameworks of U.S. youth sailing, including clinics, championships, and organizations. It focuses on three key stages, beginning with “skill builders”, the many junior classes and organizations across US Sailing that successfully draw thousands of young Americans into sailboat racing. The next critical stage features the six Olympic Development Classes endorsed by the Olympic Sailing Committee. The third stage is Olympic class training and racing at the level of US Sailing Team Sperry Top-Sider.

In December, 2012, Olympic Sailing Committee (OSC) Chairman Ben Richardson and Managing Director of U.S. Olympic Sailing Josh Adams appointed an Olympic Pathways Committee to assess youth development in the U.S., define Olympic pathways and form recommendations. Serving on the panel were Andrew Campbell (San Diego, Calif.), Cory Sertl (Rochester, N.Y.), Leandro Spina (Miami, Fla.), Zack Leonard (E. Haven, Conn.), Jay Kehoe (Oyster Bay, N.Y.), Greg Wilkinson (Rockport, Mass.), Charlie McKee (Coronado, Calif.) and Jerelyn Biehl (San Diego, Calif.). The OPC’s report was submitted to and accepted by the Olympic Sailing Committee in March 2013.

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