Invest in excellence: Oakcliff is making a difference

2024 Newport Bermuda Race © Stephen R Cloutier

With 2024 in the record books, including Newport to Bermuda, the Olympics, and America's Cup, one outcome is unmistakable. Oakcliff is putting points on the board and elevating America's performance. We have much to celebrate yet there is still work to be done and we are asking for your help.

Oakcliff is making a difference. Hans and Ian brought home a Bronze, The Youth America's Cup grabbed a Silver. Oakcliff sent almost 100 sailors to Bermuda aboard 6 boats. Three were youth entries, including OC86, which was 2nd in line honors and over half the crew was under 24. They handily won the Stephens Brothers and Henry Conover trophies. Teams of trainees raced both Mackinacs and stood on, for the rescue of a MOB in the Chicago Race. On the Match Racing front, Peter Wickwire, by racing at Oakcliff, is now ranked in the top 10 in the world, where he joins graduate Timothee Rossi and Oakcliff regulars, Chris Poole and Gavin Brady.

Achievements are not just on the water. Earlier this year Winter Sapling, Erin, cut the top off of a sailboat - on purpose. The Match 40 had two holes and crushed bulkheads from a '23 match racing collision. Erin and three women, Sweta, Siri and Nicole were challenged and empowered. They pulled out the heavy equipment and worked through the winter, gaining self-confidence and a deep knowledge of boat building. They also bonded into what they called 'Girl Yard'. The boat was ready on time, on weight and was fast. Erin describes Oakcliff as a "crash course" in becoming a marine industry professional and sailor, providing more opportunities to expand your experience than any other organization in the US.

There are still big challenges and there is still much work to be done to advance American sailing excellence. The Women's America's Cup didn't fare as well as hoped. The Olympics isn't on the radar of most of the young sailors who come through our doors each summer. Nationwide, big boat sailing and racing is a bit disjointed, and I fear Europe is edging ahead. We at Oakcliff are not the only ones who are worried that our country is not working together for maximum effect. Oakcliff is working steadfastly towards solutions and results.

One simple example is that in addition to our intense year-round programming, we are embarking on a Celebration and Collaboration Tour this winter with stops currently being scheduled in Detroit, New Orleans, Chicago, New York and California, so far. Oakcliff graduates, friends and I will be on the road. So, invite us to your town and together, we will celebrate the wins, share collective knowledge and collaborate for future success.

After an incredible 15 years, I have learned a lot from Oakcliff, and together we have curated a culture of excellence that benefits all. Every donated and earned dollar is used for maximum value with 90% of each dollar going to programming. All athletes are eligible for need-based scholarships and many need them. We support sailors chasing the big three: America's Cup, Ocean Race and Olympics, and we contribute so much more on a daily basis by building leaders, for our sport and for our country.

We are doing the hard work, and are putting boots on the ground training the next generation of leaders and champions. With more funding and resources, we can do so much more. There are many ways for you to contribute or pledge; direct donations, appreciated stock, planned giving, donor advised fund or other estate planning strategies such as a charitable remainder trusts. Our Board of Directors or myself are more than happy to discuss these options.

Bottom line: A gift to Oakcliff is an investment in the advancement of American sailing excellence. Please join us on this journey. Consider donating now.