Four young sailors from the Cayman Sailing Programme are ready to set sail and make waves in this year’s Race Cayman 2012, proving the success of the Ministry of Sports and the Cayman Islands Sailing Centre’s joint sailing development programme.

Allena Rankine (11), Finley McDougal (12), Pablo Bertran (14) and Florence Allen (14) all honed their skills through the Cayman Sailing Programme and will represent the Cayman Islands in the Optimist racing class at this weekend’s international regatta.

“Some came through the government school sailing programme, others were introduced to sailing through the after-school sailing programme. They were identified as future racers through the Talent Identification Program of Sailing (TIPS) and we are very proud to say that all the above sailors have learned to sail right here at the Cayman Islands Sailing Centre (CISC),” noted CISC Head Coach Raphael Harvey.

“TIPS is a byproduct of the government sailing program and was designed to identify sailors who have shown potential and enthusiasm for sailing and give them more coaching and much need time out on the water. After each five to six weeks sailing rotation, the six standout sailors are invited to sail for another six weeks of coaching free of charge,” explains Mr. Harvey.

About 600 government school students go through the Cayman Sailing Programme each year. A further 47 students are sailing in the Centre’s afterschool program where levels vary from complete beginners to intermediate racing.

“The Cayman Sailing Programme is one of my ministry’s most successful sports development programmes and I am glad to see our young sailors excel,” says Minister of Sports the Hon. Mark Scotland.

“With our seafaring past, it is important that our young people have access to sailing and in partnership with CISC we are fortunate to a free introductory programme to all government school students. With the sailing programme and TIPS on track, we hope to see many more sailors representing the Cayman Islands in future races,” the Minister added.

Race Cayman 2012 runs from 15 to 18 March with competing crews from USA, Jamaica, Bahamas, UK, USA, Norway, Germany and South Africa.

In addition to J22 Racing, Race Cayman 2012 will include the Open and Western Caribbean Optimist Championships with young sailors visiting from Bahamas, Jamaica, BVI and the USA.

The Ministry of Health, Environment, Youth, Sports and Culture and HSBC (Cayman) Ltd are the principal sponsors. Other sponsors are Flowers Bottled Water, Cayman Islands Sailing Club, Cayman Motor Museum, the Water Authority, Caribbean Canvas Company, Jacques Scott, Schloss Johannisberg Wines and the J22 fleet owners.