The Pequot Yacht Club Joins Forces with Sailors for the Sea

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Lauren Curley

781 383 6406

lauren@sailorsforthesea.org

The Pequot Yacht Club Joins Forces with Sailors for the Sea

First Junior Sailing Association of Long Island Sound (JSA LIS) Club to Receive Silver Clean Regattas Certification

Regatta organizers put in place policies and procedures once again to make the 58^th Regatta a model regatta for ocean conservation and protection

Newport, Rhode Island and Southport, CT – July 17, 2012 –  Sailors for the Sea, the only ocean conservation nonprofit focused on the sailing and boating community, is proud to announce that Pequot Yacht Club (PYC), Southport, CT, has taken the Sailors for the Sea Clean Regattas Pledge for Silver level Clean Regattas certification of the 58^th Pequot Invitational (July 29-July 31). In 2011, the PYC was awarded the Silver Clean Regattas Certification for their conservation efforts during the 57^th Pequot Invitational, a regatta for Pixel sailors, making them the first Junior Sailing Association of Long Island Sound participant to receive this distinction.   

Clean Regattas certification provides independent, third-party verification that a yacht club, sailing program, or regatta is environmentally responsible, and is doing its utmost to protect and restore the waters upon which people sail. This program is an effort by Sailors for the Sea, in conjunction with committed participants, to reduce our impact on our oceans and coastal waters.

“The Pequot Invitational is committed to serving as a model for responsible sailing,” said Annie Brett, program lead, Sailors for the Sea. “We are thrilled to support the Pequot Yacht Club throughout their junior Pixel regatta in their efforts to educate participants on environmental protection. Working with the club, Sailors for the Sea will help to formalize their conservation efforts and help promote responsible environmental behaviors among the club’s members and the regatta participants.”

"Teaming up with Sailors for the Sea to protect our oceans takes our commitment to the environment one-step further," announces Pequot Yacht Club Commodore Maren Hood. "We are proud to lead the way and share our 'Clean Regatta Plan' with junior sailing programs across the Long Island Sound." This year PYC will host the Pequot Invitational, which is highlighted by two days of sailboat racing on Long Island Sound off Southport as nearly 100 young people from 20 yacht clubs and sailing programs between the ages of 12-15 race in Pixels, a 13-foot long boat geared toward intermediate sailors.”

The 58th Pequot Invitational is chaired by Pamela Aris (Redding) and Bonnie Paige (Fairfield). Racing is overseen by Ward Jennings (Easton) as principal race officer.  This regatta for junior sailors is part of Pequot's rich tradition and heritage. Started in 1954, the Invitational is the second oldest running junior regatta on Long Island Sound. For many sailors it is a rite of passage as they come to learn both the joys and challenges in participating in a two-day regatta away from their home waters. Since its introduction in 2006, the Pixel has played an important role in the development of sailing skills, as the boat requires mastery in handling three sails:  mainsail, jib, and spinnaker, and building strong teamwork between skipper and crew.  

PYC will undertake several efforts in their Clean Regattas campaign, including providing all regatta participants with water in stainless steel bottles replacing the use of plastic on the water. “One of the biggest steps to a Clean Regatta is eliminating the use of plastic,” says Pequot Invitational Chair Pamela Aris.  “The reusable water bottle we have selected to achieve this goal is a medical-grade insulated stainless steel bottle of the highest quality and free of BPA, lead, cadmium, phthalates, polycarbonate and PVC. So, not only are we protecting the health of our oceans and environment, but a Clean Regatta is healthier for our children as well!” 

Pequot Yacht Club was established in 1920, and is located in the historic district of Southport, Conn. Amidst the exquisite setting, Pequot actively promotes sailing in the greater community. More than half of the sailors in the Junior Sailing Program are non-members.  

Information on the regatta, as well as on-line registration forms and the Notice of Race (NOR), is currently available at https://jsalis.securespsites.com/Lists/Regattas/RegattasCurrentYear.aspx.  

For further information on the Pequot Invitational, please contact Pamela Aris at 203-470-5356 or pamela@pamelaaris.com ###