From helping new sailors get on the water for the first time to supporting elite athletes on the Olympic team, you lift up sailors of every age and ability. Thank you.
In 2022...
1. You helped future Olympians train, compete, and win at the US Open Sailing Series.
A vital part of the training plans for young sailors in the Olympic Development Program, the series hosted six events in 2022 – three in Florida and three in California – and awarded over $49,000 in prize money to sailors in the Olympic classes.
Following the event in Long Beach, US Olympic sailing director Paul Cayard commented, “Long Beach is the heart, soul, and breeding ground for Olympic sailing. With the games here in 2028, we have an incredible opportunity to move the United States of America back to the top of the podium. The US Open is important to building strength in the USA.”
Thank you for supporting future Olympians as they prepare for the Paris 2024 and LA 2028 Games!
2. You helped engage young people in STEM programs and environmental stewardship!
With your support, more than two thousand youth participated in US Sailing’s Reach programs through direct funding to 10 community sailing centers around the country. Hands-on learning activities made important concepts in science, technology, engineering, and math come alive in a tangible and memorable way. Plus, kids developed a love of learning, explored productive STEM-based careers, and learned how to be good environmental stewards!
3. You helped more women become race officials.
Your generosity is helping more women become actively involved in race administration and play a larger role in all aspects of the sport. Building on the success of US Sailing’s very popular Women’s Only Basic Race Management seminars, a new Women’s Only Club Judge seminar was added in 2022.
Caroline, a sailor who is moving from being a competitor to a race official, said, “I am very glad I took the class. It gave me a much better understanding of how to apply the rules … and it has given me enormous confidence to try to move ahead with my participation in giving back to the sport. It was lots of fun, informative and a useful part of my path forward. I am very proud of now being a ‘Judge in Training.’"
Your support is providing more opportunities for race officials to grow their skills and ensure consistency, integrity, and fair play in sailing. Thank you!
4. You helped youth competitors build skills and confidence.
Thanks to your support, young sailors competing in the US Sailing Championships and USA Junior Olympic Sailing Festivals received guidance and support from expert coaches and mentors. Role models like Paris Henken taught sailing technique, decision-making, communication, and execution – skills that will serve sailors both on the water and in life for years to come!
5. You made an outstanding commitment to safety on the water!
In 2022, a record number of US Sailing members took Safety at Sea courses. More than 3,000 sailors completed online and in-person classes, preparing them to be ready in case of emergencies, act quickly when they happen, and take steps to prevent them in the first place. You are making the waters safer for everyone.
6. You inspired the next generation of sailors!
In 2022, you brought the joy of sailing to youth around the country through the Siebel Sailors Program. Because of you, middle-school aged kids had the chance to build confidence on the water, learn crucial problem-solving and teamwork skills, and develop a lifelong love of sailing that they’ll carry forever.
Kids like Krista, a 12-year-old from the Mid-Atlantic region who was afraid to set foot on a boat, even when it was at the dock. After two summers in the Siebel Sailors Program, she started racing on her high school sailing team!
Through scholarships, mentoring, and sailing gear, you reached out to a new generation and enabled youth from under-resourced communities, like Krista, to discover all that sailing has to offer.
7. You made sailing better.
With every gift you made to the US Sailing Foundation, you helped to strengthen the sport you love. Thank you!
