Next Step to Rolex
Junior women sailors interested in gaining international sailing experience are invited to participate in the 2009 Next Step to Rolex Program. The two-day learning experience takes place 3 - 4 October 2009 with sailors arriving in time for dinner on 2 October. and is held in conjunction with US SAILING's Rolex International Women's Keelboat Championship (Rolex IWKC) at Rochester Yacht Club. Space is limited and applications must be received by 31 July. Interested sailors are asked to submit a letter of recommendation from their coach or sailing organization and a brief essay on why they would like to participate.
The Next Step to Rolex Program was established in 1997 to expose juniors to advanced women's sailing in a mentoring atmosphere. Since its creation, the Next Step to Rolex Program has served as an inspiration for hundreds of young women from across the U.S. and abroad. This clinic is also eligible for US SAILING's Sailorship program.
“The goal of this program is to give junior sailors a chance to improve their skills in a different type of boat they would normally sail, and to reach beyond what they know, to set their sights a little higher,” said 2007 clinic chair, Joanne Kolius. “We decided as a group that one of these girls will one day win the Rolex Women’s Keelboat.”
Many, like 2007 participant Alexa Cavalieri (Annapolis, Md.), have never sailed on a keelboat. “It was a great learning experience being on a big boat,” said the then 14-year-old. “It’s not everyday that girls like me get that kind of chance. It was really fun working on communication and teamwork. It’s nice to get along with everyone.” Junior women sailors, 13 to 17 years old, can apply online later this year. Entries should include a letter of recommendation from a sailing coach or instructor as well as an essay about the junior sailor's desire to be part of the Next Step program.
For additional information on the Next Step to Rolex Program, contact organizer Cory Sertl.