Vanguard Sailboats Becomes LaserPerformance
Vanguard Sailboats (a long-time US SAILING partner) and Performance Sailcraft Europe ha ve joined forces to become the world’s largest producer of small sailboats under the name LaserPerformance. This represents a major initiative for the company as it brings together all the markets across the globe where its products are sold. "Leveraging Laser as an integral part of our name was a natural. It’s the best known name in small boat sailing and represents our dedication to the sport. Performance goes beyond just our products. It speaks to our DNA and how we as an organization approach the market," according to Chip Wilkerson, Vice President of Marketing.
>> More

Application Period Now Open for '08 U.S. Youth Championship
US SAILING has just opened up the application period for the 2008 U.S. Youth Championship, the premier youth sailing championship of the year. The event, sponsored by LaserPerformance and Nautica, will be held in Lasers, Laser Radials, Club 420s, and 29ers at the San Francisco Yacht Club in Belvedere, CA, from June 26 to July 1. Applications for the event will be accepted until March 15, 2008.
>> More

US Sailing Team Update
While many of the country's top Olympic class sailors have fled to the warmer waters of Florida to prepare for US SAILING's Rolex Miami OCR, quite a few athletes are down under in Australia competing in their class' world championships. Kicking off 2008 on a strong note, '08 U.S. Olympic sailors Tim Wadlow and Chris Rast finished fifth in the 49er World Championship in Melbourne earlier this week. Up next is the RS:X World Championship at Takapuna Beach, Australia (Jan. 10-20) with USA sailors Mike Gebhardt, Farrah Hall, Nancy Rios, and Denis Parris competing. Also, Laser sailor Andrew Campbell, who will represent the USA at the '08 Games, is in Australia getting ready for his class' world championship to be held next month. A few days ago, he finished fifth in the Laser Australian Championship.

Small Boat Racers Get Advice from the Top
Living in northern parts of the country and aching to be sailing your small boat again? Then get ready for the new season by reading Stuart Walker's "Tactics of Small Boat Racing." A detailed, technical, and readable study of the tactics of winning for the experienced sailor—by one of the world's leading small boat racers. Here is complete coverage of the racing sailor's common problems. This book is for the racing sailor who wants to win—who wants to learn the art of maneuvering his boat in relation to the other boats so as to complete the course in the lead. $16.50 for US SAILING members, $21.95 for non-members.
>> More

US SAILING's Spring Meeting - March 13-16 in Newport, RI
Registration for US SAILING's Spring Meeting - to be held in Newport, RI, March 13-16 - has just opened up! The meeting gives sailors the opportunity to make a difference in our sport by attending and participating in numerous committee meetings (from National Championships and Race Administration to Safety at Sea and Offshore). Please note that to enjoy a special discounted rate at the Newport Hyatt Regency on Goat Island, where the meeting will be held, room reservations should be made by February 12.
>> More

National Sportsmanship Award Nomination Deadline
U.S. sailors have just another week, until Jan. 16, to nominate someone for US SAILING's national sportsmanship award, the W. Van Alan Clark, Jr. Sportsmanship Trophy. Sportmanship is difficult to define, but as George Fisher, Chairman of US SAILING's Sportsmanship Committee, says, "Demonstrating good sportsmanship is very noticeable and necessary in competitive sailing. Whether it is the conduct of the skippers and their crew, or even the event organizers or race officials, cooperation, courtesy and fair play are essential to the continuation and growth of competitive sailing and to keep our sport fun. How you race is as important as how you finish." The trophy will be presented at US SAILING's Spring Meeting in Newport, RI, in March. 
>> More

About the US SAILOR of the Week Feature
Do you know a passionate sailor who is always on the water, taking every rules quiz or searching for that perfect cruising lunch spot? Or do you know someone who is newly converted to the sport and soaking up information like a sponge? Perhaps you know someone who gives as much time and energy to building a fleet or running races as they do to working at the office? We want to know about them! E-mail e-USSAILING's editors at eussailing@ussailing.org with a photo of that sailor and 150 words of background info.
>> More