Elite youths

US Sailing have announced Development Sailing Team for rising stars

US Sailing have announced the launch of a new US Elite Youth Development Sailing Team. Created to provide a national coaching, educational, administrative, and financial support structure for young athletes who have been identified as future Olympic prospects, this team will consist of the country's top youth sailors in the Laser and Laser Radial. To help the athletes gain more sailing experience at the highest levels, members of the Team will travel to major international regattas worldwide and be supported by elite-level coaches.

US Sailing is currently accepting applications from sailors under 21 years old for the 2007 US Elite Youth Development Sailing Team. Team members will be selected by sailing resume and all applicants must be current members of US Sailing. Sailors interested in being considered for the team should e-mail their sailing resume High Performance Director Gary Bodie at Olympics@ussailing.org. The application deadline is February 1, 2007.

"We strive to support our athletes who will compete in the Olympic Games, not only in 2008, but also in 2012, 2016 and beyond," said Dean Brenner, chairman of Olympic Sailing Committee (OSC). "We are focusing on elite youth development, and initially on singlehanded classes. Over time, our intention is to broaden this program to include other Olympic classes."