Luxury Catamaran to be made available monthly for the non-profit’s use – both for fundraising and social events

Starting in October the Special Olympics Cayman Islands will have the use of a Red Sail Sports luxury catamaran and crew to use as the organization sees fit. The monthly sail is a gift from the Red Sail Group, an affiliation of local companies, and long-time supporters of the SOCI. Officials of the Group have decided that in addition to a $15,000 financial contribution earlier this year, they want to offer the gift that keeps on giving.

“A financial donation only goes so far and we want to empower the Special Olympics Cayman Islands to help itself and its athletes by other means,” said Rod McDowall, General Manager of Red Sail Sports. “Our catamarans are very, very popular and it’s up to the organization to take this opportunity and run with it − the sky’s the limit!”

McDowall says a catamaran sails can bring in up to $2000, so the Special Olympics Cayman Islands can tap into a revenue stream that would add up to $24,000 a year to their coffers. For a non-profit organization that relies completely on volunteers and contributions, the regular use of a luxury catamaran also adds a venue for social events, opening up many possibilities.

“It’s tremendous!” says Nick Freeland, chairman of the SOCI Board. “Clearly it is a potential revenue-stream for us, but I see that as secondary, because it’s important for us to maximize and strengthen our existing relationships with sponsors.”

Special Olympics Cayman Islands enjoys the support of several loyal corporate benefactors who sponsor athletes attending competitions and fund the costs of the SOCI’s annual fundraiser, the Eric Crutchley Memorial Golf Tournament.

“Most nonprofits don’t have the opportunity to give something back,” adds coach and volunteer Stuart Knox who will be responsible for making the most of the catamaran partnership.  “We have had years of continued support from our corporate sponsors and this is a huge opportunity to thank them with a gift in return.”

Knox already has creative ideas on how to have fun onboard the catamaran which holds up to 70 people: Murder Mystery on the Sea, ‘Mask Night’ on board, karaoke, and other activities. Or he says sponsors and their staff can simply enjoy a relaxing sunset sail.

“We can promote the programs and the needs of SOCI to a captive audience and hopefully recruit volunteers to help, so this will be a great awareness builder,” says Nick Freeland. “At the end of the day we want to expand our programs and we need volunteers to do that. We don’t just want to write checks, we want our staffs to get involved because it’s a hugely worthwhile organization.”

Freeland says in addition to adding programmes they want to bring in younger children who can benefit, but they can only do it if they have more certified coaches and volunteers.

“It takes a lot of work to make the Special Olympics Cayman Islands successful, we need a lot of bodies to do the work,” he says.

Rod McDowall says the timing is perfect to launch the catamaran program with the Special Olympics.

“Catamaran trips are great for company outings and holiday parties,” he says, “not only will they treat their employees to a wonderful sail, they’ll be helping a wonderful cause.”

In addition to supporting Special Olympics Cayman Islands, The Red Sail Group also makes significant contributions to The Lighthouse School and various education programmes in the community, through donations and employee volunteer programmes.

About the Red Sail Group

The Red Sail Group made up of affiliated companies in the tourism and business sectors, with a commitment to the community. They include Red Sail Sports, the Rum Point Club, Caymed Plus, CCP Insurance, Tortuga Divers, La Mer Spa and the Shops of Red Sail Sports. For more information on the Red Sail Group 345.623.5965, e-mail: [email protected] or visit www.redsailcayman.com.

Photo caption:  Special Olympics Cayman Islands athlete Kanza Bodden, about to start the Butterfield Open Water Swim with her coach Penny McDowall. A Red Sail Sports Catamaran is on the beach preparing to load passengers. The Red Sail Group is donating the use of one catamaran sail and crew per month to the SOCI.