US SAILING Announces New Program Providing Financial Aid To Junior Sailors           

US SAILING, national governing body for the sport, has created a new financial aid program — named Sailorships — aimed at providing financial assistance to junior sailors between the ages of 13 and 19 who are interested in competing in US SAILING championships and/or clinics.

The goal of the program is to assist young sailors with the development of their sailing careers regardless of their financial resources. The program, made possible by a generous donation from two US SAILING members, offers travel funds to youth sailors traveling to US SAILING championships and/or clinics.

Depending on the amounts granted, US SAILING could help up to 100 youth sailors before the program's conclusion at the end of 2009.

The amounts awarded through the Sailorships program will vary from $100-$500 per person per year based on need. Awards may be requested prior to or after a 2008 or 2009 event, but only one award per year may be granted per sailor.

Interested sailors and parents can complete on online application and are asked to submit a letter of recommendation from an officer of their sailing organization. Sailing organizations are encouraged to nominate deserving junior sailors. All parties must be US SAILING members to be eligible.

An additional service of the Sailorship program will be travel grants to the U.S. sailors competing at the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship scheduled for July in Denmark. A total of $10,000 will be awarded to help with travel expenses.