Sweta Shervegar is a high-Performance sailor, coach and a fully qualified medical doctor from Mumbai, India and is Oakcliff’s first 2023 America True Scholarship recipient. The need-based scholarship is for community sailing graduates, aged 15 years and older, wishing to attend Oakcliff training programs.
Sweta started sailing at age 11 through the Community Sea Cadet Program in India. She quickly fell in love with the sport and is still sailing competitively more than 20 years later. As a child Sweta excelled in a multitude of classes, from Optimists, ILCA 6, 420’s and 29er’s before moving into the Olympic classes, 49erFX, 470 (mixed) and Nacra 17s.
Sweta wanted to expand her knowledge and expertise into offshore sailing so when her friend and US sailor, Caroline Atwood, suggested she contact Oakcliff she jumped at the opportunity. Caroline and Sweta became friends when they were both campaigning 49erFXs for the Olympics. She later moved onto Nacra 17’s as it was “difficult to find another woman in India that was of the standard required for an Olympic campaign.” While there were many titles that Sweta added to her belt, her most prestigious is 2nd Place in the 2018 Asian Games on 49erFX.
In between the challenges of an Olympic campaigning, Sweta gives back to the sailing community, specifically youth sailing in India. Added to this, she became involved with Global Oceans an initiated an environmental effort for ocean cleaning named ‘GO BLUE’.
Oakcliff was happy to award Sweta an America True Scholarship, a deserving recipient who embodies the values of America True and believes that “If you can dream it, you can do it.”
We invite all community sailing directors to spread the word and make sure your sailors are aware of this opportunity. More information is available on the Oakcliff website including programs details and how to apply for an America True Scholarships
Oakcliff is located in Oyster Bay, New York and is a workforce training center for those wishing to explore a professional career in the sport of sailing and the associated marine industry. More than 90% of Oakcliff graduates are employed, and many are leaders in their field, playing roles in the America’s Cup, preparing for the Olympics or racing around the world.