“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.