Making Headway for Today's Youth Sailors

Sailing, like many sports young people participate in, can cause a financial burden on youth sailors and their families. The costs of traveling to the various regattas, the equipment and entry fees can eliminate some from attending out of state and international races all together. As a result, avid sailors in the Newport Harbor community created the Newport Harbor Sailing Foundation.

"No child should be denied the opportunity to play a sport, which is why the Newport Harbor Sailing Foundation and our efforts are so important to the Newport community and the sport on a grander scale," states Rick Emsiek, board member of the Foundation and President of McLarand Vasquez Emsiek and Partners, Inc. Emsiek, has been an avid sailor since childhood and truly understands the importance of allowing children from all backgrounds the opportunity to participate in the motivating sport. "Without support, the future of the sport is jeopardized."

Since its inception, the Foundation has supported two key goals: raising private contributions for youth sailors (typically 21 and younger) and funding youth sailors to race at regional,national and international regattas. Initially, the focus was on junior sailors from the Newport Harbor area but now reviews requests from sailors throughout southern California. Through the Foundation’s ongoing efforts, youth sailors can compete at high level regattas with less of strain on their families budgets. Receiving the majority of the funding through fundraising events and donations, the Foundation offers enthusiastic sailors their chance at luck (and a chance to give to a great cause) at Casino Night, Poker Night and a variety of mixers during the year.

Emsiek and the other directors of the Foundation also sit on the Grant Committee of the Foundation and review applications and requests for assistance and then provide support on a variety of different levels, but primarily with entry fees, boat charters and travel expenses. Offering over $30,000 a year in grants to various sailors, the Foundation does not discriminate on abilities, but rather encourages sailors at all levels to apply for assistance to gain experience and improve their skills.

With a sponsorship from the Foundation, Charlie Ogletree from the Newport Harbor Yacht Club won the 2006 Miami Olympic Class Regatta. "I would like to thank Newport Harbor Yacht Club, the Newport Harbor Sailing Foundation and our sponsors for all of your support. Without this support we would have not been as prepared as we are." Fresh off his win, Charlie is off to the Pre-Olympics China and the World Championship in Argentina…just one of the many examples of how the Foundation touches lives and helps young sailors accomplish their goals.

Aside from assisting individuals, the Foundation also offers assistance to the local high schools. Mary Griffith Menninger, team coordinator and lead advisor for the Newport Harbor High School sailing team stated, "This sport certainly helps young people grow up in so many ways. I am so grateful for the Foundation and for the support the organization has given the high school team and our families over the years."

The Foundation continues to grow stronger every year. All of the members exude dedication, love of the sport and passion for youth involvement in sailing that provide them with the motivation to help these sailors guide their dreams through both rough and calm waters.