Rock Hall Yacht Club to Host 2010 USA Junior Olympics Sailing Festival

Rock Hall, Maryland -- The Rock Hall Yacht Club, in Rock Hall Maryland, has been selected to host the USA Junior Olympics (JO) Sailing Festival for the Chesapeake Bay July 9-11, 2010. 

Since the inception of the program in 1997, more than 35,000 emerging sailors between the ages of 8-18 have benefited from participation in over 200 events hosted by numerous clubs and organizations throughout the continental United States and Hawaii. Each event is unique in that it offers various levels of competition, skill building and fun activities, however, all share the common goals of drawing young sailors to the sport and promoting the development of skills. Over the past twelve years, hundreds of aspiring sailors have been motivated to pursue their Olympic dreams as a result of competing in US SAILING’s Junior Olympic Sailing Festival.

"Rock Hall Yacht Club will continue the tradition of the JOs in the Chesapeake Bay region", says Lee Parks, Inshore Director of US Sailing.  "The Club's grounds on the Chester River are stunning and provide ample space for young sailors to explore their love of the sport and water.  This coupled with a rich history of sponsoring numerous regattas over the years made the selection of RHYC an easy choice."

The Junior Olympics at RHYC will feature an opening ceremony where yacht clubs will march in under their flags.  After a full day of sailing Optimist, Lasers, Club 420, Hobie 16 and boardsailing on Saturday, the young participating sailors and their families will unwind with Dinner and a DJ Dance Party.  Sunday’s racing will conclude with an official closing and awards ceremony with guest Gary Jobson. During the festival, RHYC will supplement team coaching with clinics targeted for the various classes of boats. 

Throughout the 3 day event, parents and spectators can watch the aspiring Olympians from the Club’s lawn, deck, pool area, and sandy beach all overlooking the race courses.  RHYC also has on-site camping facilities and will offer very reasonably-priced housing at Washington College and other area lodging.  RHYC officials expect the festival to attract hundreds of competitors from throughout the Eastern seaboard. 

"We're honored by being selected to host this prestigious event, "says Dyer Harris, Past Commodore of the RHYC.  "Our team is already hard at work designing an Olympic themed sailing event that is sure to be a fun, exciting, and memorable experience for all."

Registration for the event will open in March 2010 with discounts for early registrants. Interested parties can visit the Rock Hall Yacht Club website at http://www.rockhallyachtclub.org/jo.htm to get more information or become a fan of Junior-Olympic-Sailing-Festival-for-the-Chesapeake-Bay-2010-at-RHYC on Facebook. 

Article courtesy of Scott and Connie Ranney

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