Donation helps sailing club recover from Ivan

Monday, July 24, 2006

Richard Finlay presents the Conyers Dill & Pearman cheque to CISC's Mike Weber.

Offshore law firm, Conyers Dill & Pearman, recently made a significant donation to the Cayman Islands Sailing Club (CISC). The donation will assist in the rebuilding of the Byte fleet that was partially destroyed by Hurricane Ivan.

Richard Finlay, Partner of and Head of the Cayman Islands Office, presented the cheque to Mike Weber, Director of Sailing for the Cayman Islands Sailing Club. During the presentation Mr Finlay said, "We are proud to be a vital part of the CISC's Learn-to-Sail and Learn-to-Race programmes for junior sailors. We feel it is very important for the youth of the Cayman Islands to have the opportunity to access the resources and expertise needed to learn to sail."

CISC is currently engaged in a major programme designed to substantially increase participation in sailing. CISC provide structured training programmes for both children and adults across a range of levels, from beginners who do not yet know a tack from a bowline to more experienced sailors looking to fine-tune their racing skills.

The Learn to Sail and Learn to Race programmes are offered to young people after school and on weekends. Adults are also able to take lessons for all skill levels.

The emphasis is both on the fun aspects of sailing and the more serious side such as skill progression and seamanship. Students achieve recognised certification as they progress through the various skill levels.

The CISC is optimistic that the programme can help youngsters to develop into possible future Olympic sailors and follow in the footsteps of those Caymanians who have proudly represented the country at the Games in the past. As part of this aim CISC will look to build a youth racing team able to travel to international events.

The training is open to anyone, both members and non-members of the sailing club.

Children are encouraged to participate in after-school programmes with the hope that a number of local schools will re-establish sailing lessons as part of their Physical Education curriculum, as happened before Hurricane Ivan.

During the school holidays CISC are running a number of summer sailing camps. The next dates are 7 to 18 August and 21 August to 1 September. Both camps are suitable for 5-11 year olds.

For more information contact the Cayman Islands Sailing Club at sailing@candw.ky or visit their website www.sailing.ky.

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