Schedule announced

US Sailing has announced their 2006 Junior Olympic Sailing Festival schedule

US Sailing has determined the 2006 schedule of its USA Junior Olympic Sailing Festival program (JO) schedule. The schedule boasts 25 events being held at sailing organizations across the country starting in May and wrapping up the season in December with the largest event, the "Orange Bowl" in Miami, Fla., which in 2005 saw more than 680 competitors.

In sailboat racing, it's important to get a good start, not just on the starting line, but as a young sailor. US Sailing's JO program is designed to do just that: help young sailors between the ages of eight and 21 get more experience on the water while having fun participating in clinics and regattas. The program is sponsored by West Marine and Gill.

In 2006, nearly 5,000 young sailors from across the country are expected get on the water by participating in JO events. The program, celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, has had a tremendous impact on the growth of youth sailing, proven by the growing popularity of the program. In the program's first year, there were six JO events, drawing 1,400 sailors. Over the years, some 30,000 young sailors have participated in JO events. Every host club selects the boats sailed at their event. In the 24-event 2005 season, 18 different classes of boats were used-ranging from the widely used Optimist to the more high performance 29er.