For Immediate Release: NEW ILCA BOAT GRANT PROGRAM! The International Lightning Class Association (www.lightningclass.org) proudly announces a new boat-grant program. Designed to help young sailors experience the high level of competition offered by the class, this revolutionary program offers a unique opportunity among one-design classes.
Faced with the growing challenge of attracting and retaining young sailors, the ILCA decided to put its money where its proverbial mouth is: two young teams will be awarded a competitive boat, substantial regatta subsidies for a season of racing, as well as mentoring and coaching. "The Lightning has everything to offer young sailors: great competition, a three-person crew, and an easy-to-transport performance boat," according to class president Steve Davis. "The only drawback is that it can be a challenge to campaign a competitive boat when you're just starting a job out of college. That's where this program comes in, helping bridge that gap." The International Lightning, a 19-foot sloop designed by Sparkman & Stephens in 1938, has proven a perennial one-design favorite around the world. Class alumni include Carl Eichenlaub, Bill Shore, Ed Baird, Tito Gonzalez, Rolex Yachtswomen Jody (Swanson) Starck, Betsy Alison, and Bonnie Shore, Rolex Yachtsmen Ken Read, Dave Curtis, Dennis Conner -- Many of whom got their start in the boat sailing with friends and family. "With this program," says Davis, "we hope to expose more youth racers to the ILCA circuit. And once they try it, we know they'll like it." This grant program is the brainchild of 2003 Lightning North American Champion Allan Terhune and 2005 Runner-Up Bill Fastiggi, who is also a former Treasurer of the class. Terhune was himself just starting his career the year he won the North Americans. "When you have bills to pay, and a limited amount of vacation-time, it's a hard choice to commit to racing a sailboat." Fastiggi agrees. "We've seen too many promising young sailors opt out of the sport because it's just too much." The two hammered out the details and convinced the ILCA leadership that the risk is far outweighed by the opportunities to build the class. "The Class has a great history of supporting youth sailing," said Fastiggi, "We think this is great way to continue that tradition." For additional information or to apply for this program, please visit www.lightningclass.org or call the ILCA office in Centennial, CO at 303-325-5886 . Jan Davis ILCA Executive Secretary 7625 South Yampa Street Centennial, CO 80016 [EMAIL PROTECTED] 303-325-5886 ________________________________________________ icsa mailing list [email protected] http://www.collegesailing.org/mailman/?listname=icsa
