JOG launches youth programme to bridge gap between youth dinghy sailing and offshore keelboat racing
by Alexis Eyre 9 Jun 2021 07:00 BST
Generation JOG © JOG
JOG (Junior Offshore Group) have launched a new youth programme entitled 'Generation JOG', jog.org.uk/generation-jog, which aims to support and promote the next generation of sailors, with a view to bridging the gap between youth dinghy sailing and offshore keelboat racing. It is geared towards those aged 25 years old and under who are either new or existing members.
Generation JOG will roll out the programme using a number of initiatives including giving preferential listings on JOG connect, the JOG crew finder site, www.jog.org.uk/crew-finder, introducing a new Generation JOG class for all those boats with program members on board, regular Zoom meetups with the occasional guest appearance from a prominent sailor and free JOG membership for the first 18 months.
With finances being one of the main obstacles to sailing of younger generations, the program has been supported by some of JOG's sponsors. Generous amounts of kit given will be awarded throughout the season based on JOG Generation member's achievements. Crewsaver is the first sponsor to come onboard and have given life jackets and gloves to be handed out throughout the rest of this year.
Commenting on the importance of the Generation JOG launch, Stuart Lawrence, Vice Captain of JOG said, "The future of our club and many clubs out there lies in the hands of the up and coming generations. We want to make sure we are offering the easiest, possible route to participation for those younger than us and help our club flourish in decades to come."
If you are 25 years old and under or you know of anyone that is, you can register and sign up at myjog.jog.org.uk/sign-in.