Applications open for US Etchells Youth Team

The US Etchells Youth Team is seeking applicants to participate in a schedule of events in 2018. This opportunity was first offered in 2017 and has shown great potential for introducing youth sailors to Etchells class racing.

The program began from a challenge the UK presented to the US to compete in the 2017 Gertrude Cup in Cowes, UK in which youth teams would also compete in the event for the Olin Stephens trophy. The US team led by Connor Needham triumphed, winning the trophy enroute to finishing second overall.

The 2018 Challenge has been issued again by the Cowes, UK Etchells Fleet and includes one, or two, invitations to US Youth Teams for the 2018 Gertrude Cup on July 14 to 18 in Cowes. The US Team will face stiff competition from 20 other teams, including the UK youth entry.

Applicants should be skilled sailors that have experience in keel boats, or better yet, in Etchells. The US Youth Team(s) will be selected from applications received by May 1. Applicants shall have reached their 18th birthday and shall not be older than 25 as of January 1, 2018.

Applications should include a sailing resume, contact information, availability from May to July, birthdate, height, weight, and a statement of how participation in the Youth Challenge will contribute to your development as a competitive sailor.

The Selection Committee is Senet Bischoff, Michael Gavin, and Steve Benjamin. Applications may be submitted to: EtchellsYouthChallenge@mgavin.fastmail.net.

The Committee intends to make competitive boats available to youth sailors selected for the program and will offer opportunities to develop their skills and teamwork in the run-up to the Challenge. The Committee may hold Trials during practices and at some or all events listed below:

May 12: Training Event – Rye, New York
May 19-20: Etchells Atlantic Coast Championship –Rye, New York
June 16-17: New England Championship –Shelter Island, New York
June 29-July 1: One Design Regatta – Newport, Rhode Island
July 7-8: Newport Regatta – Newport, Rhode Island
July 14-18: Gertrude Cup – Cowes, U.K.
September 11-15: Etchells North Americans – Chicago, Illinois

For the 2018 Challenge, the Selection Committee intends to source funding for the Team. The British hosts have graciously agreed to supply accommodations and one entry, and a second entry can be secured for GBP 3900.

Please consider a tax-deductible contribution to support the US Team!
Make payable to the ‘Oyster Bay Sailing Foundation Inc’.
Include notation for ‘US Etchells Youth Challenge’.

Send to:
Oyster Bay Sailing Foundation Inc.
PO Box 720
Oyster Bay, NY 11771-0720