03 Jun Oakcliff All-American Offshore Team Signs with Gill
Becoming Gill Race Team Members
(June 2, 2011) – Gill North America, importer and exclusive distributor of the Gill brand in North America, is pleased to announce its support of the 2011 Oakcliff All American Offshore Team (AAOT). Through this partnership, the Oakcliff AAOT members have joined a select group of Gill Race Team peers competing in both national and international sailing events
Oakcliff AAOT is committed to providing high-performance offshore training opportunities for an up-and-coming generation of American ocean racers. Crew members went through a detailed selection process before making final team selections for 2011. The crew ranges in age from 18-30, with average crew age on the 2011 team being 23.
Fully outfitted in Gill gear, the 2011 Oakcliff All American Offshore Team is racing on the USMMA Sailing Foundation’s IRC 65Vanquish in four key events this year: the Storm Trysail Club’s 66th Around Block Island Race; the Annapolis to Newport Race; the Transatlantic Race (Newport, R. I. to The Lizard, England) and the Rolex Fastnet Race.
“Having sailed tens of thousands of miles in some of the most extreme conditions, I know how important it is to have good gear,” said Oakcliff Executive Director Dawn Riley (St. Clair Shores, Mich.). “Gill has provided our team with the right gear for the various conditions when needed most.”
David Pritchard (Buford, Ga.), President of Gill North America, added “We are excited about the opportunity to work with young rising offshore sailors from the next generation. In fact, several of the core crew we have worked with before on Roy Disney’s Morning Light Project.
As part of the sponsorship engagement, Gill is the official clothing of the Oakcliff Sailing Center, a unique coaching and training center located in Oyster Bay, N.Y. Oakcliff is using its multiple fleets, disciplines and programs to train the next generations of champion sailors to compete at the highest levels of the sport. With Gill’s partnership Oakcliff is able to help athletes at every level select the correct equipment and optimize their sailing experience.
Morning Light sailor Jesse Fielding (Wickford, R.I.) wore Gill offshore gear in his first major ocean race. “I am proud to hang it on my hook again,” said Fielding. “It makes you sleep better knowing the gear you put on is going to keep you dry and well protected from the elements.”
The Oakcliff All American Offshore Team is supported by the USMMA Sailing Foundation, Oakcliff Sailing Incorporated, and the Storm Trysail Club, but they still need help from the sailing community. Donations to the team are tax-deductible.
To learn more about the All-American Offshore Team, visit https://www.oakcliffsailing.org/offshore/ or contact Jesse Fielding,jessefielding@gmail.com, 401-741-3166. Tax-deductible contributions can be sent to the USMMA Sailing Foundation at Yokum Sailing Center, 300 Steamboat Road, Kings Point, New York, NY 11024. Checks can be made out to the USMMA Sailing Foundation with All-American Offshore Team in the memo.
Media Pro Int’l, Kirsten Ferguson, kirsten.ferguson@mediapronewport.com , 401-849-0220