US Sailing youth racing events in 2013
PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (May 22, 2013) – Young sailors in search of great competition, quality coaching instruction and a fun time on and off the water, will find a special experience at US Sailing youth racing events in 2013. Another exciting season of youth racing is rapidly approaching at the many US Sailing coordinated events from two popular circuits. The USA Junior Olympic Sailing Festival (JO) and the US Sailing Championships series collectively organize a combined 27 regattas around the country for youth sailors from June through December 2013.
2013 USA Junior Olympic Sailing Festivals
In its 17th season, this program is a nationwide series of regattas for youth, ages 8 to 21. There are 23 regattas slated for 2013 in the continental United States and Hawaii and over 4,000 sailors are expected to participate. Last year, 4,038 youth sailors participated, which is the highest total since 2004.
The action begins in June and the series culminates with the 37th annual Orange Bowl International Youth Regatta, the largest junior sailing event in the country, on December 27-30 in Miami, Fla. The Orange Bowl is hosted by the US Sailing Center, Coral Reef Yacht Club and Key Biscayne Yacht Club. At last year’s Orange Bowl, 652 junior sailors from around the world participated. The regatta includes four days of competition on Biscayne Bay.
This youth development program, sponsored by West Marine, Gill North America, and Sperry Top-Sider, is a nationwide series of regattas hosted by yacht clubs and community sailing organizations. All events share a common goal. They are designed to promote the enjoyment of sailing, develop the skills of young sailors, and to provide a pathway for hopeful Olympic competitors.
During the course of the 2013 JO season, sailors will race Optimists, Lasers, Radials, Laser 4.7, Sunfish, Byte, El Toros, Club & International 420s, CFJs, 29ers, windsurfers, Hobie Cats and more. Since the inception of the program in 1997, more than 50,300 sailors have participated in 338 events offering various levels of competition, skill building and fun activities designed to encourage a life-long involvement in the sport of sailing. US Sailing continues to add events to the circuit in areas around the country where junior sailing is growing.
Additionally, US Sailing’s JO program has inspired hundreds of young sailors to reach for their Olympic dreams. The medal ceremony at the end of each JO event is similar to that of the Olympic Games format, as class winners step up to the podium to collect gold, silver, and bronze Junior Olympic medals. Special fun prizes and sportsmanship awards are presented at many JO events.