Grant program supports female sailing

The US Sailing Foundation awarded its annual Glenn Lattimore Memorial Grants to female sailors, distributing more than $10,000 to 36 sailors.

The Glenn Lattimore Grant Program was established to provide financial assistance for travel expenses and registration fees incurred by female sailors competing in US Sailing National Championships. Named in memory of pioneering sailor Virginia Glenn Hill Lattimore, the grants are funded by the Lattimore family.

“I was thrilled by the increased number of applicants this year and the range of sailing skills and experience they represent,” said Mary Lattimore. “I had the good fortune to visit the U.S. Junior Women’s Championship earlier this year and was so impressed by the talent of the competitors.

“Their dedication to the sport is inspiring. It is truly remarkable how many more women are now involved in the top levels of sailing compared to my mother’s sailing days! I’m happy to honor her legacy by supporting those who are following in her footsteps.”

This year’s grant recipients hail from 14 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and include all skill levels, from new sailors to elite sailors competing in international competitions.

Noelani Velasco, a 17-year-old sailor from Hawaii and two-time recipient of a Lattimore grant, was particularly grateful for the support.

“Coming from Hawaii there aren’t many national regattas that are easily accessible to us, so receiving aid from this grant allows me to gain competitive racing knowledge and lifelong friendships. Being able to race in off-island regattas has taught me many lessons that I will carry with me throughout sailing and further into my future career.”

For additional information: https://www.ussailing.org/about/ussf/the-glenn-lattimore-grant-program/