National Sailing Programs Symposium Celebrates 25th
In a little over two months, US SAILING will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its successful National Sailing Programs Symposium in St. Petersburg, FL. From January 9 to 13, 2008, sailing program organizers from across the country will have the opportunity to network with their counterparts and hear directly from such sailing experts as renowned sailing commentator and author Gary Jobson, recently named ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Ed Baird, one of the country's top female offshore sailors Dawn Riley, and many more. The five-day event, presented by Vanguard Sailboats, will be held at the Hilton Bayfront Hotel in St. Petersburg. 
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USA's Ed Baird Named ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year
St. Petersburg (FL) native Ed Baird was named ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year last night during an awards ceremony - hosted by USA's Gary Jobson - at International Sailing Federation's Annual Conference near Lisbon, Portugal. Ed Baird took to the stage and in a voice that showed true emotion he said, “this has been a massive effort by a big, big team. The America's Cup is a dream for us all, but our sport is so much more than that. I would really like to acknowledge all of you who are here in support. Thank you.” 
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Rescue Medal Awarded to Two US SAILING Judges
Two US SAILING judges, Dick Hanneman and Chris Luppens, were judging a J/22 Regatta at Houston Yacht Club when Hanneman noticed an object in the water away from the race course. Upon closer inspection, they found a capsized jon boat with four people struggling in the cold water. The victims (two adults and two children) were having difficulty righting their boat. Find out what happened.
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Sail Newport Named Recipient of US SAILING Prosser Award
US SAILING recently named Sail Newport, the public sailing center in Newport, RI, as recipient of its 2007 Prosser Award for exemplary contribution toward improving the quality and safety in the training or instruction of sailors. Sail Newport supports a wide array of sailing activities and instruction, upholding the highest standards of excellence. Sail Newport's youth program provides basic sailing instruction as well as competitive national racing. Throughout the season, there are 550 kids who attend this program, with an additional 200 participants coming through other outside programs such as camps and youth centers. The adult program provides instruction for beginners through advanced. US SAILING will officially present the award to Sail Newport at the National Sailing Programs Symposium in January 2008.
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U.S. Offshore Championship to Travel
At the US SAILING Annual Meeting a few weeks ago, the U.S. Offshore Championship voted to have the event travel to different host clubs in even-numbered years (the U.S. Naval Academy will continue to host the event in odd-numbered years). Bids are welcomed from anywhere in the United States and the deadline by November 30th. What's involved? Potential hosts must have twelve boats: Offshore One Design, Offshore Level Class or Handicapping System (IMS, AMERICAP, PHRF, IRC, MORC)  which must be able to accommodate a team of at least five sailors.
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