— from Gray Cope, SJI Sailing Foundation —
Local teen sailor, Perham Black, a sophomore on the San Juan Island Youth Sailing Team, will compete in Norfolk, Virginia for the Cressy Cup October 31st and November 1st this year. Sailing in the full rig Laser Division, Perham is one of only 20 youth sailors from across the nation with a chance to win the Cup. Blake Bentzen, of Poulsbo, who sails for Bainbridge Island High School, is the other sailor from the region who qualified in Perham’s division. The regatta will draw the top youth Laser sailors from across the nation sailing at the Old Dominion University Sailing Center.
The San Juan Island Youth Sailing Team is competing for the Cressy Cup, considered the national championship for single handed youth sailing. The San Juan Island Sailing Foundation sponsors and supports the Island’s youth sailing team, which is typically around 15 sailors. Coached by Todd Roberts, these hearty high-schoolers can be seen, starting in February, practicing off Jackson’s Beach in all types of weather. The team’s racing season is in the Spring, and they compete in multiple regattas every year throughout the region. The single-handed season is primarily Summer and Fall.
The San Juan Island Sailing Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to advance sailing in the San Juan Islands. The Foundation’s primary focus is to provide sailboats, equipment, and coaching for the SJI Youth Sailing Team and funds participation in regional regattas. The Foundation also provides boats, equipment, and volunteers to support San Juan Island Parks & Recreation’s Summer sailing classes for beginning and intermediate sailors of all ages. The Foundation has also had youth sailors from Shaw Island on the sailing team and collaborates with the Orcas High School Sailing Team. Photos and more at https://www.facebook.com/sjisf.
The San Juan Island Sailing Foundation wishes good luck and fair winds to Perham Black as he represents his team, region, and the Foundation at the national championships.
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