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2007 Bill Fastiggi & Allan Terhune, Lightning Class
US SAILING One-Design LEADERSHIP Award
presented to
Bill Fastiggi & Allan Terhune
presented to
Bill Fastiggi & Allan Terhune
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Bill Fastiggi and Allan Terhune created the International Lightning Class Association (ILCA) Boat Grant Program in 2007. Designed to help young sailors experience the high level of competition offered by the class, this revolutionary program offers a unique opportunity among one-design classes. Faced with the growing challenge of attracting and retaining young sailors, the ILCA awarded four skippers/teams a grant from the fifteen applications received. Bill and Allen organized a Application Review Committee and an Evaluation Criteria for the selection of the Boat Grant Program recipient teams. ILCA provided a very competitive boat, boat insurance and substantial regatta expense reimbursement. The four Boat Grant Program recipient teams, three from the US and one from Canada, participated in numerous local and regional events in 2007. All four teams competed in the 2007 North American Championship. Bill and Allan were incredibly energetic in procuring boats and sails for the Boat Grant Program. Boats were purchased, leased and chartered and equipment and boats were donated. The generous donations and enthusiastic support of the class members exhibited the support for this program. The best of the donated items were placed into service for the Boat Grant Program and the enough of the donated boats and equipment were sold to allow the Boat Grant Program to be financially self-sufficient for 2007. Bill and Allan identified mentors for each Boat Grant Program recipient team. The mentors assisted with tuning, rigging and logistics for the recipient teams. The local fleets adopted the recipient teams and assisted them with housing, travel issues and go-fast tips. All of the recipient teams have expressed interest in continuing with the class in an end-of-season questionnaire prepared by Bill and Allan. Many of the recipient teams also expressed interest in acquiring their boat and spoke glowingly of the attention and help that they received from the class members. The class has a great history of supporting youth sailing. The 2007 ILCA Boat Grant Program has successfully energized the class members who enjoyed having the Boat Grant Program recipient teams participate in their fleet and district events. Plans are being made to continue this program and to expand it to European and South American sailors. Bill and Allen have created a program that is very exciting for the entire ILCA membership and a model for other one-design classes. This grant program is the brainchild of 2003 Lightning North American Champion Allan Terhune and 2005 Runner-Up Bill Fastiggi, who is also a former Treasurer of the class.