news release

Youth Sailing Foundation (YSF) has inaugurated its first summer training camp for sailboat racers preparing to compete in the 2022 Optimist National Championship.   The camp is being run out of YSF’s facility on the Indian River Lagoon in Vero Beach.  A total of 18 sailors ages 8-12 are participating in the six-week camp that hones racing skills such as starts and tactics.  The Rotary Club of Vero Beach (founded in 1926) provided a generous grant to fund four scholarships for sailors from underserved homes.  The Rotary Club has been supporting YSF since funding the purchase of a sailboat in 2015. 

YSF is sponsoring three sailors to travel to Cascade Locks Oregon on the Columbia River for the Optimist National Championship regatta that takes place July 19-24.  YSF Assistant Sailing Director for Racing, Roberto Ayala is coaching the racing camp and will travel with the sailors and their families to Oregon.   Alex Delamarter, Skyler Dussan, and Ashton Evans will represent YSF and Vero Beach.   Thanks to the generosity of donors attending YSF’s “Rock the Boat” gala in mid-March, YSF has funding for the three sponsorships, and travel costs for Coach Ayala. 

Participating in a National Championship a significant milestone in the development and growth of YSF.  About 200 of the best elementary school age sailors from around the country will converge on the Columbia Gorge Racing Association’s sailing center to compete for a spot to represent the United States as a member of the U.S. Optimist National Team.  Competing at the national level serves as inspiration for young sailors entering YSF sailing program.  Sailing in the National Championship at the iconic Columbia River venue, provides Alex, Skyler, and Ashton a lifetime of memories that form a baseline for maturation and growth into a successful life where dedication and hard work are rewarded with exceptional achievement.