PRESS RELEASES
Starting Line Sailing Supports the 2023 ICSA Singlehanded Nationals at Tulane University
November 13th, 2023
Starting Line Sailing, through it's companies Zim Sailing, West Coast Sailing, and Dwyer Mast and Rigging, is a proud sponsor of the Intercollegiate Sailing Association (ICSA). As part of their sponsorship commitment, SLS provides charter boats and sails to various ICSA national championships. This year's Singlehanded Open and Singlehanded Women's National Championships were held at Tulane University. Congratulations to Ava Anderson, ‘27 of Tulane University and Nicholas Reeser ‘25 from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy for winning the 2023 Women’s and Open Singlehanded National Champions. Below is an article first published on collegesailing.org.
https://collegesailing.org/news/article/2023-singlehanded-open-and-womens-national-championship-wrap-up
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Challenging Conditions and Close Competition Marked a Thrilling Weekend of Racing
After two days of close competition in a tight fleet Ava Anderson, ‘27 of Tulane University and Nicholas Reeser ‘25 from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy are the 2023 Women’s and Open Singlehanded National Champions.
Athletes in both regattas were greeted Saturday on Lake Pontchartrain with overcast skies, 6-9 knots of breeze from the Northeast and a steady chop that had built overnight. The skill levels of the Women’s and Open fleets were readily apparent to coaches and spectators in the close results.
At the end of eight races both regattas were led by razor-thin margins. In the Women’s event, Sarah Young ‘25, Dartmouth University ended the day in first with 44 points, with Agija Elerte ‘26 of Jacksonville University and Tulane Freshman Ava Anderson tied for 2nd with 50 points.
In the Open fleet, Nicholas Reeser, 25’ U.S. Coast Guard Academy, ended the day in first with 45 points, with Tulane sailors Thad Lettsome ‘24, and Hamilton Barclay ‘27 following close behind with 50 and 53 points respectively.
“It was exciting racing. The fact that mere points separated the top half of the fields meant everyone had to be at their best at all times and it created some intense action,” said ICSA Executive Director, Reed Maltbie.
Conditions on Sunday set the stage for a showdown: 3-8 knots from the East Northeast and shifts over 30 degrees made it difficult for sailors to predict the next leg. The Coast Guard Academy’s Reeser held his lead to win the Glen S. Foster Trophy with a gap of 11 points. Tulane University’s Barclay claimed second overall with a bullet in the final race and Lettsome finishing third overall.
In the end, the Women’s championship came down to the final race, with each of the top 3 boats in a winner-take-all position. After the wind dropped significantly during the first beat, Tulane’s Ava Anderson secured the Janet Lutz Trophy with a bullet in the final race.
“Everyone was physically and mentally switched on the entire two days. The goal is to always put the best possible field on the water and this weekend we saw exactly that. This is what college sailing is about- world class racing and epic fun.” Reed Maltbie.
“It’s a pretty proud day for the Wave. Three podium finishers is a great way to end this weekend,” said Tulane University Head Coach Charles Higgins. “But to come away with a national championship win at home in front of your entire team is an accomplishment that so few have an opportunity to appreciate.”
Janet Lutz Trophy–Women's Championship
1st: Ava Anderson ‘27 Tulane University
2nd: Katharine Doble ‘26 Brown University
3rd: Agija Elerte ‘26 Jacksonville University
Glen S. Foster Trophy–Open Championship
1st: Nicholas Reeser ‘25 U.S. Coast Guard Academy
2nd: Hamilton Barclay ‘27 Tulane University
3rd: Thad Lettsome ‘26 Tulane University
Thank you to Tulane University and their volunteers for hosting and to the Southern Yacht Club for opening their grounds to competitors while the completion of the new Community Sailing Center of New Orleans is underway.
Event Contacts:
Social Media: Reed Maltbie (ICSA)
Photography: Jemi Aguilar, Parker Waters, and Connor McGinnis (Tulane University)
Author: Delaney Brown (ICSA Communications Committee)
The ICSA sponsors and partners for the 2023 season are:
Zim, West Coast Sailing and Dwyer, Official Suppliers of College Sailing
Dermatone, Official Skin Care Sponsor and Supplier of College Sailing
Quantum Sail Design Group, Official sponsor of the "Quantum Women's College Sailor of the Year."
Marlow Ropes, Official Supplier of College Sailing
US Sailing
Hobie Cat Company and Starting Line Sailing Announce Hobie Sailboats Partnership
November 1st, 2022
Oceanside, CA - Hobie Cat Company has appointed Starting Line Sailing as the new worldwide supplier for all Hobie Sailboats and Genuine Hobie Sailboat Parts and Accessories. This partnership will ensure continued investment in the production and availability of products enjoyed by thousands of sailors around the world. The same dealers and agents will stay involved, and the International Hobie Class Association will continue to coordinate and organize racing and events for Hobie class catamarans.
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Have a Hobie Day!
40 Years ago, Hobie Alter created a brand new type of sailing: beach cat fun for everyone. And that deep legacy, heritage and vision continue. The Hobie Cat Company remains deeply committed to sailing. This partnership with Starting Line Sailing exemplifies their understanding of the importance of iconic boats like the Hobie 16, Wave, Getaway and more.
In 2023, sailors, dealers and the community will see significant new focus and investment. Assuring sailboat and part availability is the first priority. Sailors and dealers around the world can expect the boats, parts, sails and accessories they want with increased stock and availability.
Hobie and Starting Line Sailing will work together to support the dealer network and the community of those interested in sailing and racing Hobie class catamarans. Direct coordination with the International Hobie Class Association will ensure ongoing support for the Hobie World Championships and the many famous Hobie events loved by sailors around the world.
Zim Sailing will now service all North and Central American Hobie Dealers and encourage Hobie end users to continue to work with their local dealers for boats and parts. For the rest of the world, sailors will be largely working with the long standing existing dealers and agents across the region. Over the next year, SLS will be assessing its production and distribution to increase global access.
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About Starting Line Sailing, Inc.
The sailing industry continues to evolve, and Starting Line Sailing was formed to play a key role. The goal is simple - grow sailing by keeping it accessible and fun. Backed by decades of industry experience in manufacturing and distribution, SLS is owned by passionate sailors, focused exclusively on small boat sailing. With a staff of over 60, manufacturing and distribution systems, and an extensive dealer network, they are ready to move sailing forward. Over the coming years, sailors can expect fast and efficient delivery of the beloved Hobie Cat Sailboats, Parts and Accessories - worldwide.
Hobie Cat Sailboats will find a welcome home alongside the growing brands of Zim Sailing, Dwyer Mast and Rigging and West Coast Sailing - all in the Starting Line Sailing family.
Starting Line Sailing Acquires Zim Sailing and Dwyer Mast & Rigging
November 1st 2021
Zim Sailing - the Bristol, Rhode Island-based marine equipment manufacturer, has been acquired by Starting Line Sailing, Inc. The purchase transaction also includes Dwyer Mast and Rigging, the long time aluminum spar manufacturer. As part of this acquisition, Zim Sailing and Dwyer Mast and Rigging will join West Coast Sailing as subsidiaries of Starting Line Sailing, a newly formed holding company led by CEO George Yioulos.
The sailing industry continues to evolve, and Starting Line Sailing was formed to play a key role in that evolution. The goal is simple - to grow the sport by making it more accessible for everyone. Backed by decades of industry experience, an ownership group of passionate sailors aims to fulfill this vision by building on the strengths of each business, investing in and providing career pathways, and providing greater support to the sailing community. Over the next several years, sailors can expect faster and more efficient systems that make it easier to find the parts and support you need, expanded access to new products and services, and the creation of better opportunities to work in the industry. Behind this multi-year roadmap is a commitment to helping more people discover their own passion for sailing.
Whether you are a new sailor or long time racer, coach or parent, club program or class association manager, the collective team of 40+ staff across West Coast Sailing, Zim Sailing, and Dwyer Mast and Rigging is here to help you make the most of your time on the water.
Zim Sailing, founded by Steve Perry in 2008, provides one-design sailboats, parts, accessories, and services to the North American market. They manufacture popular dinghies such as the Club 420, Flying Junior, and Optimist, and engage in grassroots youth development of yacht club junior sailing programs, community sailing programs, and high school and collegiate sailing programs. Zim Sailing can be found at regattas around the country, providing support with charter boats and onsite sales and service. Dwyer Aluminum Masts, was founded in 1963 to more fully integrate the manufacturing of spars, rigging, and hardware with sailboat production. The two companies share production facilities in Bristol, Rhode Island.
West Coast Sailing, founded in 2005 in Portland, Oregon by George Yioulos, is one of North America’s leading marine retailers, focusing on the dinghy racing and small keelboat market with an emphasis on e-commerce fulfillment and providing industry leading customer service. Longtime Zim dealers, they also distribute for trusted brands such as RS, Hobie, Gill, Rooster, Dynamic Dollies, Harken, Ronstan, Ovington, Zhik, Marlow, and more. In the past year they launched a full service rig shop to offer one design and custom rigging and have a long history of community support and sponsorship.
Day to day operations at all the companies will continue independently and without interruption following this acquisition. Steve Perry will stay as President of Zim Sailing and Dwyer Mast and Rigging. Chris Brown will continue his role as President of West Coast Sailing. All staff members carry on in their existing roles. Existing dealer, vendor, and class association relationships continue unchanged. Zim Sailing, West Coast Sailing and Dwyer Mast & Rigging are open for business and committed to providing high quality products and outstanding service for you, your team, your club, or your organization.
Starting Line Sailing is excited to establish this portfolio of brands in a shared commitment to growing the sport and making it more accessible for everyone.
The future of the sport is bright!
In The Media
Sail1Design
Industry News: Starting Line Sailing Acquires Zim Sailing and Dwyer Mast & Rigging
Article: sail1design.com
Scuttlebutt Sailing News
SOLD: Zim Sailing, Dwyer Mast & Rigging
Article:
sailingscuttlebutt.com
Sailish
Big Shift! West Coast Sailing Now Part of The Starting Line that includes Zim Sailing and Dwyer Mast and Rigging
Article:
sailish.com