BRISTOL, R.I. (February 5, 2020) – US Sailing and MTI, an industry leading lifejacket manufacturer, are working together on an exciting, new partnership. MTI is now an Official Partner of US Sailing and the Siebel Sailors Program.
The partnership also designates MTI as the Official Lifejacket of the Siebel Sailors Program, a new US Sailing youth program developed to increase diversity and opportunity in the sport of sailing by providing resources and support to youth sailors at public access sailing centers. MTI will be providing lifejackets for sailors and coaches at participating Siebel Centers around the nation.
US Sailing and MTI will be working closely with certified US Sailing Instructor Trainers and subject matter experts on the development of an instructor lifejacket. Once developed, MTI will supply all certified US Sailing Instructor Trainers with a complimentary lifejacket.
MTI is offering special benefits for members of US Sailing through bulk pricing and discounts. US Sailing individual member benefits include 15% discount off lifejacket products purchased at www.mtilifejackets.com. Special pricing will also be offered for US Sailing member organizations.
“We are excited to be working closely with MTI on safety and we are grateful for their support of sailors and instructors participating in the Siebel Sailors Program,” said Jack Gierhart, CEO of US Sailing. “MTI’s innovative products encourage safe sailing practices and this new relationship will enhance our members time on the water, both from a fun and safety standpoint. We expect MTI will have a very positive impact on initiatives to grow sailing through education and safety for all.”
MTI owners, Lili and Gordon Colby, are passionate sailors and are excited about this new partnership with US Sailing as an opportunity to promote the brand to the wider sailing community and support youth development with the Siebel Sailors Program.
“Our three kids spent their summers at sailing school here in Plymouth, Mass. None of them ended up pursing racing, but all of them now have solid sailing skills and they love being on the water as much as we do,” said Lili. “I think that’s why the opportunity to support the Siebel Sailors Programs means so much to us. It’s a way to give back to the sport of sailing by promoting the expansion and meaning of sailing education.”
US Sailing Communications: Jake Fish, jakefish@ussailing.org
About US Sailing
The United States Sailing Association (US Sailing), the national governing body for sailing, provides leadership, integrity, and advancement for the sport in the United States. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Bristol, Rhode Island, US Sailing is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. US Sailing offers training and education programs for instructors and race officials, supports a wide range of sailing organizations and communities, issues offshore rating certificates, and provides administration and oversight of competitive sailing across the country, including National Championships and the US Sailing Team. For more information, please visit www.ussailing.org.
About MTI Life Jackets
MTI Life Jackets was founded in 1991 near Boston by a family that enjoyed canoeing and kayaking. Their goal was to design U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets that were comfortable, attractive and affordable. That goal remains true today. Still family-owned and operated, MTI offers the widest range of models to meet the comfort and performance needs of boaters for which wearing a life jacket is paramount. MTI products are available at specialty retail stores throughout the United States and online. Headquartered in Plymouth, Massachusetts in the historic Cordage Park rope mill, MTI is proud to support US Sailing, the American Canoe Association, and Heroes on the Water. For more information, please visit www.mtilifejackets.com.