There’s no greater satisfaction for me than watching young sailors excel on the water and wondering where in sailing they will be later on in their lives. Will that smooth-tacking coed Club 420 team someday be leading A division at college nationals or that eager starter in the Optimist class sailing for medals and then joining the ranks of the America’s Cup? It seems today, more than ever, competition at junior sailing events, at both the local club level and the national championships, is dramatically improved. This is because yacht clubs are committed to making junior sailing a priority. I see examples of this all around the country. Parents are willing to help with travel, there’s advanced instruction and individual coaching, and standardized one-design boats, and this all bodes well for the future of American sailing.
For eight years we’ve kept a close eye on the junior sailing scene, each year calling out the sailors that put forward great results and uphold sportsmanship while doing so. There are literally hundreds of them out there, and of all the annual “lists” in which I’m involved my juniors are the toughest…Â More info