Newport, RI (February 1, 2024) - The Sailing Foundation of New York (SFNY) announces the addition of two new board members elected December 29, 2023 and in immediate effect. 2023 brought dramatic growth of the SFNY, with a sharp increase in athletes and funding. In consideration of this increased breadth of activities in support of the mission, John Hele and Austin Fragomen join the stalwart Board to help deepen support for US athlete sailors.
Co-founder and President Tom Stark adds that both are well respected yachtsmen who are current in the sport. “John and Austin bring vast experience in management, finance, legal affairs and competitive sailing. Our Board is a passionate, dedicated group of professionals who care deeply about our sailors. The additions of John and Austin are a great fit. We all look forward to working together as the SFNY gears up for the 2024 and 2028 Olympics.” John currently serves as Chair of Bermuda-based Resolution Re Ltd, having previously served as President and Chief Operating Officer. He has held various senior positions in the insurance industry for firms including MetLife, Inc, ING and Arch Capital following several years in investment banking. Campaigning at the Royal Canadian Yacht Club, Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, American Yacht Club and the New York Yacht Club, Hele has enjoyed many years on this Swan 42 Daring, IC37 Vigilant, Etchells 22 Renegade, and foiling trimaran Thunder and Lightning. On land, John and his family spend their time between Bermuda, New York and Rhode Island. Mr. Fragomen is Chairman Emeritus of Fragomen, a trusted law firm founded in 1951 focused on immigration around the globe. Over the course of his career in federal immigration and nationality law, Austin served as assistant counsel, subcommittee on immigration, citizenship and international law, U.S. House of Representatives, and as an adjunct professor of law at New York University Law School. Fragomen enjoys competitive sailing on his TP52 Interlodge, as well as a Botin 44 for New England regattas. The Fragomens spend their time in Florida, New York, Rhode Island and waters far and wide. Newport, RI (January 5, 2024) - The Sailing Foundation of New York (SFNY) has announced that 2023 Golden Spinnaker Gala funds will be provided immediately to competitors who win their US Olympic Team Trials irrespective of whether the US has yet qualified for the class.
The original intent of the collaborative effort in this year’s Sailing Foundation Golden Spinnaker Gala was to distribute funds to those teams who earned spots for the Paris 2024 Olympics, held this summer in Marseilles. In an unanticipated situation facing US Olympic Sailing Team members, the US will hold trials in several classes where the US has not yet secured an actual berth, or slot, for the Olympics. In the interest of putting forth the best possible effort, the Sailing Foundation Board determined that the winners of the upcoming US trials will receive access to funds that had previously been designated for release only upon announcement of US representation in a given class. Accordingly, the winner of each selection will be awarded a grant of $35,000 per person to help with efforts in securing a US berth, and ultimately competition in the Olympics. These funds will be distributed in accordance with SFNY standard practices. Co-Founder and President Thomas Stark is proud to work with US athletes at this critical time. “A strong partnership between the Sailing Foundation of New York, the New York Yacht Club and our 2023 Golden Spinnaker Committee allowed us to modify our plan to provide the greatest level of support to our aspiring US Olympians. We understand that these are challenging and uncertain times for our athletes vying to compete in the Paris 2024 Olympics. The original intent of the SFNY - still held to this day - is that we remain true to the athletes and their campaigns at the highest level. On behalf of the Sailing Foundation Board and our Golden Spinnaker donors, I am pleased to be able to announce this support for our sailors.” The 2023 SFNY Golden Spinnaker Gala was held in September 2023 with the support of the New York Yacht Club (NYYC). This year’s Gala, the 9th hosted by the organization, honored two past NYYC Commodores, Sailing Foundation of New York Founder George Isdale Jr. and original Board Member George Hinman Jr. for their tireless efforts and lifetime commitments to the sport of sailing. The evening was designed to support athletes who will represent Team USA at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This event raised more than $600,000 in direct support to sailors. About the Sailing Foundation of New York (SFNY) Created in 2000, The Sailing Foundation of New York supports not only individuals who demonstrate the commitment and potential to represent the United States of America at the highest possible levels in the sport of sailing, but also the organizations and programs committed to growing the sport. The Sailing Foundation of New York is an independent entity working with athletes, regatta organizations, yacht clubs and sailing development programs across the country. Currently, the SFNY is proud to coordinate with more than 80 athlete sailors to help them remain competitive in the sport. For athletes, the Foundation provides much-needed guidance and financial support as they navigate their emergence in the sport. 100% of all SFNY contributions are allocated to directly support eligible organizations and athletes, with no administrative or operating expenses funded by donors. https://www.sailingfoundationofny.org We are excited to announce the 2023 Golden Spinnaker Gala, which will be held at New York Yacht Club Harbour Court on Thursday, September 7. Please visit our dedicated event page to learn more. We are sad to announce the 2020 Golden Spinnaker Gala is postponed due to COVID-19.
Please visit our GSG Update page for more information. Thank you for your support. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SAVE THE DATE: 2020 GOLDEN SPINNAKER GALA The Sailing Foundation of New York is pleased to announce the 2020 Golden Spinnaker Gala, to be held on Thursday, May 14 Honorees Commodore George Isdale and Commodore George Hinman, Jr Celebrating 20 years of service to the Sailing Foundation of New York Thursday, May 14, 2020 New York Yacht Club 37 W 44th St, NY, NY Cocktails, dinner and live auction Please check the event web page as we post additional details: www.sailingfoundationofny.org/GSG20 NEWPORT, R.I. (October 12, 2018) – 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. *photo courtesy of US Sailing Please save the date for the 2018 Golden Spinnaker Benefit Dinner, set for Friday, September 28. Held at Harbour Court, at the New York Yacht Club in Newport, RI, this important fundraiser provides essential support for athletes in the US Olympic Sailing arena.
Please visit our benefit page for event details, registration and more. We hope to see you on the 28th! Interested in donating to the event, even if you're unable to attend? We appreciate your support. Please consider a gift today by mailing your check to the address below. Thank you. Sailing Foundation of New York PO Box 124 Rye, NY 10580 *Checks must be made out to Sailing Foundation of New York |