Golden Spinnaker Benefit Dinner at NYYC Harbour Court raises more than $300,000 for US Sailing Team

Members of the 2018 US Sailing Team at the Golden Spinnaker Benefit Dinner at New York Yacht Club Harbour Court on September 28, 2018 © US Sailing

The Sailing Foundation of New York (SFNY) raised more than $300,000 for the US Sailing Team at the 2018 Golden Spinnaker Benefit Dinner, held on Friday, September 28 at the iconic New York Yacht Club Harbour Court in Newport, Rhode Island. The special evening highlighted the incredible support of the sailing community to come together and bolster the hard-working efforts of these athletes aspiring to compete at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

By renewing their longstanding tradition of support, the Sailing Foundation of New York and the New York Yacht Club were recognized as US Sailing Team Gold Medal Partners. The Gold Medal Partner Club status is reserved for organizations that support the Team with contributions of $100,000 or more.

Sailing Foundation of New York President and Board Member Tom Stark was thrilled with the evening's success. "Every two years, we are excited for athletes and donors to have the opportunity to share an evening designed to galvanize support for U.S. Olympic pursuits in our sailing community. The generosity of New York Yacht Club members is unwavering, and the hospitality of the New York Yacht Club Flag Officers is steadfast. We are grateful to have the ability to make this happen and are proud to help act as a catalyst for these dedicated athletes."

With nearly two years in his role, Malcolm Page, US Sailing's Chief of Olympic Sailing, shared his optimism for the opportunities provided by the event. "The results of this evening show that our athletes have the full force of the sailing community behind them as they work together to become Olympians. The funds raised tonight directly support coaching, equipment, travel and more. While these seem like basic needs, they are truly necessary for athletes who commit to training in Olympic class sailing."

The legendary and ubiquitous Ken Read held court for the evening as the Master of Ceremonies, conducting athlete interviews and navigating guests through a journey highlighting the challenges faced by sailing team members on their quest. The cocktail hour provided time for guests to learn more about the US Sailing Team athletes in attendance, with fun facts and Q&A booths positioned throughout the tent. Event Chair Colin Gordon addressed the crowd of nearly 200 supporters as they settled into dinner, providing a reminder of the collective efforts put forth to ensure the evening's success.

As guests enjoyed dinner, a live auction cleverly orchestrated by Lydia Fenet of Christie's Auction House kicked off a whirlwind of bids and raises to generate funds needed for athlete equipment, training and more. Auction highlights included exclusive artwork and experiential opportunities offered from the New York Yacht Club's American Magic, a U.S. challenger for the upcoming 36th America's Cup, as well as two Tokyo 2020 Olympics travel packages offered by US Sailing.

"US Sailing, our national team and Olympic athletes are incredibly fortunate to have such a loyal, committed and energized partners in the Sailing Foundation of New York and the New York Yacht Club," noted Jack Gierhart, CEO of US Sailing. "They have passionately supported Olympic sailing for the past 18 years – more than any other benefactor – because their leadership believes in our athletes and the collective benefits they, our national team and Olympic sailing bring to the sport. We are extremely grateful for their commitment to the sport, and welcome other organizations to join in supporting these dedicated athletes."

The Sailing Foundation of New York, the New York Yacht Club and US Sailing would like to thank the following event sponsors for making this special night possible – American Magic, Oakcliff Sailing, Gowrie Group, American Cruise Lines, BMW, A.G.A Correa & Son, Helly Hansen, Sailor Bags, Yeti, and Knotty Tie Co.

Any organizations or individuals looking to support and contribute to the US Sailing Team, please contact US Sailing at infofoundation@ussailing.org.