New boat grant program for sailors with disabilities

Newport, RI (June 27, 2015) – Known as an organization that is a leader in providing opportunities for disabled sailors and participants, the C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Memorial Clinic and Regatta has launched The Clagett Boat Grant Program initiative to loan boats to sailors with disabilities.

This initiative, the first of its kind in the USA for sailors with disabilities, will allow The Clagett to help expand the number of new sailors, using adaptive equipment, to sail and compete in regattas and community sailing programs.

The Clagett Boat Grant Program will be offered to a qualified North American sailor or team through a stringent selection process and will provide an adaptive race ready boat, trailer, insurance, and limited traveling expenses to a qualified classified sailor.

The life of a Boat Grant will be made for a period of up to four years, with an annual review by the Clagett Boat Grant Committee. A mentor will be assigned to each grantee. Each year the grantee will be evaluated on their responsibility fulfillment, sportsmanship, and ability to maintain the boat. At the end of the four years the grantee will have the opportunity to purchase the boat or turn it back to the Committee to be re-outfitted and used again by a new sailor.

“The launch of this initiative will enable The Clagett to assist adaptive sailors to ‘Reach for Success’,” commented Judy McLennan, co-founder and President of The Clagett. “We have kicked this program off with a bang having secured approximately $40,000 to date with pledges at all levels.”

The initial Boat Grant Program budget of $75,000, plans to put both a Sonar and a 2.4mR boat in the hands of qualified sailors. Insurance for this program will be provided by a subsidiary company of long-term Clagett sponsor AIG.

For more information on how to support and apply for The Clagett Boat Grant Program, visit www.clagettregatta.org