US SAILING Roadshow Summer Tour a Big Hit with Sailing Communities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Jake Fish
US SAILING Communications Manager
jakefish@ussailing.org
401.683.0800 x614
PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (July 11, 2011) – The US SAILING Roadshow crew Brooke Thomson and Will Ricketson has embarked on an amazing journey this summer with specific goals that focus on learning more about sailing programs in the U.S., listening to and getting to know the volunteers who are instrumental in helping grow the sport, promoting the overall enjoyment and accessibility of sailing, and educating sailors of the programs and services provided by US SAILING.
In just over a month, the US SAILING Roadshow crew has participated in 18 sailing events throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, from Maine to Virginia. In the process, Ricketson and Thomson have made tour stops in eight states and racked up over 2,700 miles on their US SAILING Roadshow branded 2011 Toyota Tundra, provided by Toyota of Dartmouth.
Since the program was launched in mid-June, the Roadshow crew has visited sailing venues and yacht clubs who are hosting regattas, clinics and other events. US SAILING has created a Roadshow Blog to document and share their experiences. The Roadshow Blog includes frequently updated recaps, video and audio interviews and clips, photos, a Google Latitude tracker and more details from each stop. Along with event promotion and operational support, the Roadshow crew has provided instruction at youth sailing camps and adult learn-to-sail clinics. They have also raced with teams at regattas.
The US SAILING Roadshow has participated in events including Olympic Day for Sailing in New Bedford, Mass., Extreme Sailing Series event in Boston, Mass., USA Junior Olympic Festival in Hampton, Va., a Learn-to-Sail Clinic in Washington, D.C. and many more.
The Roadshow crew has had the opportunity to explore a variety of sailboats during their summer adventure, such as the O’Pen Bic (provided by Bic Sport), Extreme 40 catamaran, Navy 44 sloop, Buccaneer 18, J-Boat, Volvo Open 70, Rambler 100, Swedish Match 40, Shield, Laser, 420, Windsurfing, adaptive sailboats and others.
The Roadshow crew has encountered a number of prominent sailors along the way, such as skipper extraordinaire Terry Hutchinson; Olympians Amanda Clark and Carol Cronin; Paralympic Gold Medalist Maureen McKinnon-Tucker; America’s Cup icon Dawn Riley; Old Dominion Sailing Head Coach Mitch Brindley; Windsurfing legend Nevin Sayre; and US SAILING Team AlphaGraphics members Erik Storck, Trevor Moore and Rob Crane.
Follow the US SAILING Roadshow this summer by visiting our blog at http://ussroadshow.blogspot.com/.
The crew will visit with the Larchmont Yacht Club (N.Y. ) on Wednesday, July 13 to learn about their junior sailing programs and offer instruction. Visit our schedule for future events at http://media.ussailing.org/2011_Road_Show/Road_Show_Schedule.htm. The first-ever US SAILING Roadshow plans to explore the expansion of this program in the future.
Media members interested in learning more about this program or meeting Brooke and Will at a Roadshow stop, please contact US SAILING Communications Manager Jake Fish at jakefish@ussailing.org or 401.683.0800 x614.
Stay connected with US SAILING through Facebook and Twitter for breaking news, daily updates, reminders, photos, videos, and more.
The US SAILING Roadshow is sponsored by Sperry Top-Sider, Gill North America, Toyota of Dartmouth and Bic Sport.
About US SAILING
The United States Sailing Association (US SAILING), the national governing body for sailing, provides leadership, integrity, and growth for the sport in the United States. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, US SAILING is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. US SAILING offers training and education programs for instructors and race officials, supports a wide range of sailing organizations and communities, issues offshore rating certificates, and provides administration and oversight of competitive sailing across the country, including National Championships and the US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics. For more information, please visit
www.ussailing.org
.
About Sperry Top-Sider
Since 1935, Sperry Top-Sider has been the leading brand of footwear for those with a Passion for the Sea. From its introduction of the world’s first siped rubber outsole for non-marking traction, to advanced technical fabrication to combat the elements, Sperry Top-Sider remains the vanguard of high-performance amphibious footwear. Available through independent, marine, outdoor and department stores, Sperry Top-Sider is the official footwear of the Sperry Top-Sider NOOD Regattas, Key West Race Week, the Salt Water Sportsman seminar series and the National Safe Boating Council. Based in historic Lexington, Massachusetts, Sperry Top-Sider is a division of The Stride Rite Corporation, a subsidiary of Collective Brands, Inc. (NYSE:PSS). For more information, please visit
www.sperrytopsider.com
.
About Gill North America
Gill NA, with headquarters near Atlanta, Ga. is the sole distributor and licensee of Gill-brand foul weather gear in North America including Caribbean, Central America, US and Canada. Gill is an apparel and accessories leader in the worldwide marine industry for over three decades and specializes in high tech, breathable waterproof clothing. The company tests, designs and markets a variety of performance-oriented, award-winning apparel and accessories for virtually every type of boating activity with product lines that include foul weather gear; interactive layering systems; footwear; gloves; bags; junior gear; scholastic gear and team wear. Available through hundreds of dealers nationally, Gill NA is the sole distributor and licensee of Gill-brand foul weather gear in North America, where it is the top selling yachting clothing brand. For more information on Gill NA, visit the company website at
http://www.gillna.com/or
contact Lance Jones at Gill NA, (678) 730-5581 / e-mail:
lance@gillna.com
.
About the O'Pen Bic
The O'Pen Bic brings a modern alternative for kids and sailing programs who want more excitement and fun in their sailing. Now, over seventy junior programs have initiated O’Pen Bic fleets, and the calendar of events continues to grow- culminating this season with the North American “Un-Regatta” at Buffalo Canoe Club in August. There are already more than 3,500 O’Pen Bics on the water. While the amazing durability, low cost, self bailing, and self rescue make it practical for junior programs, it is the modern performance, freestyle, and flat out “coolness” that makes it the choice of kids.
The O’Pen Bic not only provides the thrill and instant gratification that modern kids demand, it also offers a whole new “free ride” format of sailing – like snowboarding and windsurfing- that kids love. Because the O’Pen Bic is agile and completely self-bailing, wiping out becomes part of the fun. The rocket-ship hull, contemporary rig, and skiff-like responsiveness keep kids yearning for more. It is a strict One-Design class that comes completely outfitted with the best marine components from North, Ronstan, and Robline.
The bottom line? Kids can’t wait to sail O’pen Bics. Visit www.openbic.comfor more information or contact info@BicSportNA.com.
About Toyota of Dartmouth
At Toyota of Dartmouth, our goal is to assist you in making a confident decision. Our friendly, professional staff members are here to answer your questions and listen to your needs. Whether you're shopping for a new or pre-owned vehicle, we're here to help with your search. Our well-stocked inventory includes popular Toyota models, including Corolla, Yaris and Tacoma. Wherever you live in the New Bedford area, or if you're driving from Newport, Bristol, Taunton, Somerset or Raynham, we’re ready to serve you.
Commitment to customer care at Toyota of Dartmouth doesn't stop with your vehicle purchase. Our North Dartmouth Toyota Service Department is staffed with factory-trained technicians, ready to perform everything from regular maintenance to expert repairs. Work done quickly and correctly with excellent service is our goal with every vehicle, every time. Whether your car is the latest model or a few years old, Toyota or another brand, we can take care of it with service at competitive prices. We run specials all the time and recommend you frequently visit our Web site to learn about them. Contact us at 888-339-0359 for sales or 800-649-4278 for service.
Toyota of Dartmouth is located at 100 Faunce Corner Mall Road, North Dartmouth, MA 02747. Visit our website at http://www.toyotaofdartmouth.com.