As with any industry, Sail Boat Manufacturers rely on support from consumer groups to promote and sell their products. Just look at any sports product. Where would Nike sales be without the NBA? or Olympics?

Vanguard has done a great job by supporting US SAILING, and every Sailing Program in the Country, at the youth, high school, and collegiate level. They do this by serving on committees, volunteer programs, and working with every program in our sport.

At Sail Sand Point, Seattle's Community Sailing Center, www.sailsandpoint.org, we just ordered several new Vanguard Sailboats for our expanding programs.

By working with several groups, we now have five Hobie Waves, all donated. See the following link http://www.sailsandpoint.org/index.php?pg_id=113. The Waves are used in our classes and are the most popular boat in our Open Sailing programs. We are also continuing the US SAILING "Fast and Fun" free outreach sailing programs with our own Waves, and local volunteers.

To paraphrase President John F. Kennedy, "Ask not what your Country (Sailing) can do for you, but you can do for your Country (Sailing)". Actions speak louder that words.

Caleb Tarleton