Women's match race clinics

Rolex back new program in the States

To foster growth in women’s sailing, Rolex Watch U.S.A. has announced that it will sponsor several 2003 'Road to Rolex' clinics across the U.S. and abroad in preparation for the Rolex International Women’s Keelboat Championship (Rolex IWKC), scheduled for this September 28-October 3 at Annapolis Yacht Club. The organising committee is accepting inquiries from organizations interested in hosting a 'Road to Rolex' clinic.

'Road to Rolex' grants are available to assist yacht clubs and sailing centres in providing access for women to the keelboat racing skills needed for competition. The clinic program is designed for one- or two-day formats and features an instruction manual developed by five-time Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year and 2004 Olympic aspirant Betsy Alison. Alison has won the biennial Rolex IWKC five times and is an internationally recognised sailing educator and coach.

"The clinics are designed to be adaptable to a group’s ability level, knowledge of the equipment and skills requiring attention," said 'Road to Rolex' coordinator Sue Mikulski. "Where possible the clinics will use the International J/22, the same boat used at the regatta, but if J/22s aren’t available a similar keelboat will be used. We expect hundreds of women sailors, both newcomers and veterans of the regatta, to benefit from Betsy’s expertise."

For more information about hosting a 'Road to Rolex' clinic, email Mikulski at SuMikulski@aol.com or write in care of Annapolis Yacht Club, 2 Compromise Street, Annapolis, MD 21401.