US Sailing’s National Sailing Programs Symposium (NSPS) kicked off Mardi Gras early for Oakcliff Sailing this year.
Oakcliff received The Captain Joe Prosser Award, given to an organization that has made an exemplary contribution toward improving the quality and safety in the training or instruction of sailors. This is the top award a training facility can receive from US sailing and embodies everything that Oakcliff stands for.
Elizabeth Shaw, Oakcliff’s training program director, got her beads, dancing shoes and taste buds packed and flew down to accept the award on behalf of Oakcliff Sailing.
“It was truly an honor to be recognized by so many inspirational peers in the sailing community,” said Shaw. “The knowledge that we are filling a void in American sailing is an integral part of what keeps us moving ahead with our goals and ambitions at Oakcliff.”
This recognition is also a celebration of the award coming full circle. In 1994, Dave Perry, who is a board member at Oakcliff, was the first recipient of the award. He congratulated Oakcliff on its award, stating, “Education is the cornerstone of growing and advancing the sport. Oakcliff Sailing is at the forefront of doing just that through its many educational programs and opportunities.”
This year, Oakcliff is expanding its Acorn program, with five options designed to introduce sailors to the fundamentals of different aspects of competitive yacht racing. The Tune Up is a two-day intensive program on 40’-50’ keel boats with on-board coaching.
The Offshore program, designed by Dawn Riley, focuses on logging miles, safety at sea and career training. The Skiff and Cat program utilizes 24 Olympic Class skiffs (49er and 49erFX) and multihulls (Nacra 17) with a focus on problem solving and campaign management. The Inshore immersive program boasts private coaching, instruction on various common repairs, racing rules and tactics, and intense match racing.
Finally, the Intensive is an all-around program focusing on the foundations of a successful program (maintenance, provisioning, scheduling and logistics).
The Sapling program is a summer-long dive into professional sailing through a structured apprenticeship at Oakcliff’s Americas Cup style campus. The sailor leaves this program a leader with comprehensive skills ranging from marine electronics to successful campaign management. The program boasts an 87 percent industry job placement.
Applications for Oakcliff’s 2015 programs are now being accepted; visit www.oakcliffsailing.org for more information.
Oakcliff Sailing is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which y accepts donations monetarily or in-kind. All donations are tax deductible and Oakcliff supporters benefit from regularly scheduled training on its extensive fleet.
For more information, email race@oakcliffsailing.org or call 516-802-8368.
