Top youths named

US Sailing has named some members of their 2008 Elite Youth Development Sailing Team

US Sailing has named six of the nation's top youth singlehanded sailors to the 2008 US Elite Youth Development Sailing Team. Launched by US Sailing in 2007, this team was created for young athletes who have been identified as future Olympic prospects.

Three Laser Radial and three Laser sailors were selected for the 2008 team from a pool of over 40 applicants. In addition, five individuals were named as Honorable Mention candidates.

The Laser Radial team members include: Emily Billing, Anne Haeger, and Sarah Lihan. The Laser team members include: Luke Lawrence, Kyle Rogachenko, and Derick Vranizan.

Honorable Mention sailors are Claire Dennis and Maggie Shea in the Laser Radial, and Charlie Buckingham, Zack Marks and Royce Weber in the Laser.

The Elite Youth Development Team provides its members with national coaching, educational, administrative, and financial-support structure. To help these young athletes gain more sailing experience at the highest levels, team members travel to major international regattas and are supported by elite-level coaches.

The Honorable Mention candidates, a new distinction added for the 2008 season, will be able to gain access to elite-level coaches at events attended by the team.

The team's initial focus is on the singlehanded classes. Over time, the intention is to broaden the program to also include other Olympic classes.