Executive Director's Report

Sail America and SailTrim to Promote the Environmental Benefits of Sailing

With Earth Day celebrated worldwide April 22, and the increasing consumer interest in environmental stewardship and healthy living, this month seems a particularly good time to discuss Sail America's efforts to look for new ways to fully position sailing as a "Green" activity that promotes health, wellness and environmental sustainability.

In that spirit, Sail America has been working with Jennifer Langille, founder of SailTrim (www.sailtrim.org), who has a unique vision for “sailing toward a healthier tomorrow…one sailor at a time.”

Inspired by a passion for sailing and a career in science, Langille's goals for SailTrim are simple: inspire sailors of all ages, abilities and interests to seek balance in their own health, wellness and environmental impact. SailTrim is committed to creating sailing educational clinics, programs and resources demonstrating how current and potential new sailors can achieve a healthy, active lifestyle that is self-sustaining and keeps them on the water.

As sailors, we recognize how sailing promotes health, wellness and environmental sustainability. The human interactions between a sailboat, natural elements of water and weather encourage a need for health and well-being. This human-environment relationship and potential rewards are greatest when each works in unison. When we take care of ourselves, the world around us and the boat which brings it together; a self-supporting cycle is achieved.

Global communities see value in products and services that promote public and environmental health; it's an excellent time for the sailing industry to highlight how sailing and the associated lifestyle will support goals for a healthier tomorrow. In 2008, SailTrim will be expanding on its current publication, The SailTrim Journals, a monthly circulation covering topics specific to the health and wellness of today’s sailor, to include articles on environmental health and sustainability.

Through a recently acquired grant, SailTrim will expand resources into an education program, combining the use of video and print media. Sail America and SailTrim invite members of the sailing industry to participate and sail together toward a healthier tomorrow, reaching out to both sailors and non-sailors alike to demonstrate how sailing can improve self, promote wellness and environmental sustainability. Please contact Jennifer Langille at jennifer@sailtrim.org or (860) 266.2831 to learn more about SailTrim.

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