Portsmouth, RI — US Sailing has announced the complete Junior Olympic Sailing schedule. The 2001 Junior Olympic Sailing Festivals schedule is comprised of 19 regional events in addition to the USA Junior Olympic National Sailing Championship, which will be held June 21-27 at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.

"We're excited about this year's events, which are as diverse as the regions hosting them," said US Sailing Inshore Director Lee Parks, who organizes and oversees the Junior Olympic program. "Of course, these events would not be possible without the hundreds of volunteers who give their time for the next generation of sailors. I wish I could get to each event myself, to personally share the excitement of these young sailors."

US Sailing purpose in developing the Festivals is to broaden the base of youth sailing and include clinics at all events; fun, shore-side activities aimed at entry level sailors; instructor recognition program (free red hats for US Sailing certified instructors); and an introduction of the Olympic aspect.

USA Junior Olympic Sailing is a grass-roots youth development program that defines a path for youngsters to become involved in sailing and develop their skills though events nationwide, with a goal of making sailing a life-long sport. The United States Olympic Committee Junior Olympic Program involves more than 3,500,000 participants in over 20 sports annually.

West Marine will once again sponsor the USA Junior Olympic Sailing Festivals. "We thank West Marine for their continued support and their commitment to encourage youth to enjoy boating as a positive recreational activity," said US Sailing President Dave Rosekrans. West Marine has been presenting sponsor of the events since 1997, when the first Junior Olympic program took place in Rochester, New York.

For information on USA Junior Olympic Sailing, contact Lee Parks at US Sailing, [email protected] or 401/683-0800, visit the web site at www.ussailing.org/youth/racing/jo, where you can link to individual event web sites.

Nationals


June 21-27 USA Junior Olympic National Sailing Championship U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD

Regionals


May 19-20 USA Junior Olympic Sailing Festival - South Atlantic Lake Lanier SC, Atlanta, GA

June 22-24 USA Junior Olympic Sailing Festival - Upper Midwest Wayzata YC, MN

June 23 USA Junior Olympic Sailing Festival - Midwest Carlyle Sailing Assoc., Carlyle Lake, IL

June 23-24 USA Junior Olympic Windsurfing Festival Calema Windsurfing School, Merritt Island, FL

July 7-8 USA Junior Olympic Windsurfing Festival - Nevin Sayre Kids Camp Cape Cod, MA

July 10 USA Junior Olympic Sailing Festival - Long Island Sound Niantic Bay YC, CT

July 12-15 USA Junior Olympic Sailing Festival - California Newport Harbor YC, Newport Beach, CA

July 21-28 USA Junior Olympic Sailing Festival - Texas Youth Race Week Texas Corinthian, Lakewood & Houston YCs, TX

July 22-26 USA Junior Olympic Sailing Festival - Narragansett Bay Jr. Race Week Sail Newport, Newport, RI

July 23-24 USA Junior Olympic Sailing Festival - Mid-Atlantic Island Heights YC, NJ

July 26-28 USA Junior Olympic Sailing Festival - Hawaii Hawaii YC & Waikiki YC, Honolulu, HI

July 30-31 USA Junior Olympic Sailing Festival - Chesapeake Bay Tred Avon YC, Oxford, MD

July 31- Aug. 2 USA Junior Olympic Sailing Festival - Northeast Championships Boothbay Harbor YC, Boothbay, ME

Aug. 10-12 USA Junior Olympic Sailing Festival - Rochester Rochester YC, NY

Aug. 13-15 USA Junior Olympic Sailing Festival - Mass. Bay Sailing Junior Regatta Annisquam YC, Gloucester, MA

Aug. 17-19 USA Junior Olympic Sailing Festival - Northwest Youth Sailing Championships Matthew's Beach/Seattle YC, WA

Oct. 20-21 USA Junior Olympic Sailing Festival - River Romp Regatta Edison Sailing Center, Fort Myers, FL

Dec. 7-9 USA Junior Olympic Sailing Festival US Sailing Center of Martin County, Jensen Beach, FL

Dec. 27-30 USA Junior Olympic Sailing Festival - Orange Bowl International Youth Regatta Coral Reef YC, Miami, FL