“ROAD TO ROLEX” CLINICS TO PREPARE WOMEN SAILORS FOR SEPTEMBER COMPETITION Grants Offered to Clinic Hosts and Instructors

Annapolis, Md. (April 16, 2003) – To foster growth in women’s sailing, Rolex Watch U.S.A. has announced that it will sponsor several 2003 “Road to Rolex” clinics across the U.S. and abroad in preparation for the Rolex International Women’s Keelboat Championship (Rolex IWKC), scheduled for this September 28-October 3 at Annapolis Yacht Club, Md. The organizing committee is accepting inquiries from organizations interested in hosting a “Road to Rolex” clinic.

“Road to Rolex” grants are available to assist yacht clubs and sailing centers in providing access for women to the keelboat racing skills needed for competition. The clinic program is designed for one- or two-day formats and features an instruction manual developed by five-time Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year and 2004 Olympic aspirant Betsy Alison (Newport, R.I.). Alison has won the biennial Rolex IWKC five times and is an internationally recognized sailing educator and coach.

“The clinics are designed to be adaptable to a group’s ability level, knowledge of the equipment and skills requiring attention,” said “Road to Rolex” coordinator Sue Mikulski of Annapolis. “Where possible the clinics will use the International J/22, the same boat used at the regatta, but if J/22s aren’t available a similar keelboat will be used. We expect hundreds of women sailors, both newcomers and veterans of the regatta, to benefit from Betsy’s expertise.”

For more information about hosting a “Road to Rolex” clinic, email Mikulski at SuMikulski@aol.com or write in care of Annapolis Yacht Club, 2 Compromise Street, Annapolis, MD 21401.

Rolex IWKC is part of US SAILING's national championship series. Organizers are using the Internet to promote the regatta and provide information: www.race.annapolisyc.com/rolexkeelboats is focusing on Annapolis details; www.ussailing.org/riwkc has the official Notice of Race and Entry Form in PDF format, event history and news releases. There is a web server list to get direct information by email. To subscribe, visit www.ussailing.org/riwkc.