Yachtsman James H. “Jim” Clark , internet pioneer and co-founder of Netscape Communications, continues to follow through on his promise with a $190,000 donation to Sail Newport, Rhode Island’s Public Sailing Center. The Newport-based non-profit organization has been in operation since 1983 to provide public access to the sport of sailing with youth and adult programs, scholarship assistance, sailing events and a public sailing center based in Fort Adams State Park.
Added to a 2011 donation in the amount of $150,000, Clark ‘s total financial support to Sail Newport equals $340,000.
Sail Newport Executive Director Brad Read reports that the funding has enabled Sail Newport to satisfy the huge demand for beginner and intermediate sailing lessons.
“Thanks to Jim’s support, we have increased capacity by nearly 20 percent in back to back years, alleviating our waiting lists for children wanting to participate in sailing”, says Brad Read, Executive Director of Sail Newport. Sail Newport purchased new youth sailing dinghies, coach boats, and will hire more sailing instructors this year in order to expand the summer programs. A large portion of the donation has been placed in the Sail Newport Endowment which funds Sail Newport’s outreach and financial aid programming.
Both donations represent Clark’s follow-through on a statement he made public last year to make charitable donations to marine organizations commensurate with the amount he spends on professional sailboat racing events. Clark competes at regattas around the world with his 138-ft J-Class boat Hanuman.
“He is truly a man of his word,” Read says. Clark’s motivation is to help sustain the marine environment and marine recreations. Clark hopes to have other J-Class owners follow his lead.
“I have made it quite public that if I spend money on professionals to try and win a sailing competition, I will donate a comparable amount to a marine- or sailing-based charity,” said Clark about the original donation which has increased with a second major donation to the charitable organization.
“Some of us are fortunate to have the money to spend owning these boats, and if we all do this in the spirit of friendship, dedication to the sport of sailing, and devotion to the oceans that they use, perhaps we can have an impact,” Clark added.
“Jim Clark keeps his promise,” Read says. “All of us sailors have spent a lifetime enjoying the world’s oceans through the sport of sailing and Jim’s enthusiastic leadership in contributing to the ocean environment sets a tremendous example for the world.”
According to Read, Clark’s donation will benefit Sail Newport’s public access sailing center and sailing programs for all ages.
Sail Newport is a non-profit organization founded in the wake of the loss of the America’s Cup in Newport, RI to foster the sport of sailing. Since 1983, the organizations has attracted and managed several hundred sailing events including local, national and world championships. In addition, thousands of students of all ages have learned to sail and enhanced their skills for recreational sailing and sailboat racing through Sail Newport’s programs. The Organization maintains a nationally-recognized youth sailing program with a goal to develop the next generation of American sailors. Clark’s donations will also boost Sail Newport’s financial aid and scholarship fund so that students of all ages to learn and enjoy the sport regardless of economic resources.
Photos of Sailor Adds to Support of Community-Access Sailing
