BIG Team Regatta Corporate Sailing Challenge to Raise Money for Youth and Adaptive Sailing

Sept. 27, 2010 - PRLog -- Treasure Island, CA – Mechanics Bank, PG&E, Hanson Bridgett, Almar Marinas, and ACCO Engineered Systems, Inc., are among this year’s sponsors of the BIG Team Regatta San Francisco, a corporate sailing challenge to be held on Friday, October 1 on San Francisco Bay.  The annual charity event draws local business executives from across the Bay Area to race performance sailboats, pitting against each others’ teams in the pursuit of glory, bragging rights, and opportunity to raise money for youth and adaptive sailing programs of the Treasure Island Sailing Center (TISC).

Established in 1999 as a non-profit 501(c) (3), TISC provides sailing instruction, summer activities, and after-school programs for underprivileged and disabled youth.  The funds raised from the BIG Team Regatta go toward scholarships to help youth in need, including many at-risk youth from organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Glide Foundation, and others, that participate in TISC youth programs. Approximately 75 percent of the students who attend come on scholarship. TISC provides unlimited scholarships to those in need.

David Ziegler, long-time sailor and reigning team captain for Mechanics Bank, remembers how formative it was to sail as a youth, learning his skill with the mentorship of his older sibling.  “At the time, it was just fun for us kids to get out on the water, but it has had a profound impact on my life, both personally and professionally,” said Ziegler, vice president of Mechanics Bank.  “It’s the perfect hands-on learning environment, with a bit of nautical science, teamwork, learning to communicate, decision-making, all very important life skills.  It’s this same opportunity TISC is providing kids from all socioeconomic backgrounds; to take the ‘helm’ of their lives on the water for a week during the summer, and is something that needs our support.”

What begins as a morning training session on the cove at OCSC SAILING in Berkeley, quickly becomes a race of sailboats crewed by enthusiastic and ambitious sailors, many of whom have never sailed before.  It starts with introduction and instruction with experienced coaches from Organizing Sponsor OCSC and Group Experiential Learning (GEL) -- including morning coffee and sailor-worthy grub -- then its team assignments, gear fitting, and group cheer as teams set off on their San Francisco Bay voyage to support a good cause.

“This fundraising event is all about giving youth opportunity, and with the participation of local businesses, helps raise awareness of our efforts to the broader community, and making it possible for us to sustain our scholarship funding for the youth who need the financial support,” said Carisa Harris-Adamson, TISC president. “As such, the BIG Team Regatta is a very important part of our growth as a non-profit organization serving our community and families.”

The BIG Team Regatta San Francisco is collaboration between OCSC Sailing School and Group Experiential Sailing -- two Bay Area businesses whose founders are committed to supporting youth and adaptive sailing. Jay Palace, president of GEL and creator of the BIG Team Regatta, has helped support nonprofit youth programs in San Francisco, Chicago, Washington, D.C. and New York. This year’s San Francisco Regatta will mark the 6th annual event for Treasure Island Sailing Center.

“The BIG Team Regatta is an opportunity for businesses to empower and enhance the lives of Bay Area children,” said Palace. "Sailing is a unique activity which develops leadership, teamwork and communication skills, while at the same time providing young and old with serious fun. Companies field teams of primarily non-sailors who get to work together to get their boat around a race course for bragging rights and the good feelings which come from supporting a great cause."

An awards ceremony will take place following the race to recognize the winning team, to honor volunteers, and to present a check to the students of Treasure Island Sailing Center.  

Businesses can still enter a team in the BIG Team Regatta San Francisco. Contact Jay Palace, jpalace@gelcorp.com or 415-601-1325. At last year’s regatta, Northrop Grumman, PG&E, Mechanics Bank, Hanson Bridgett, Treasure Island Enterprises/Almar Marinas, and others, took part in this corporate team-building event.

To learn more about Treasure Island Sailing Center and volunteer opportunities, contact Operations Manager Lacey Todd at lacey.todd@tisailing.org or 415-421-2225.  You can also follow TISC on Twitter at @TIsailingcenter and become a fan on Facebook!

For updates and news from BIG Team Regatta San Francisco 2010, visit the official website here: http://www.gelcorp.com/clients/bigteamregattasf2010.html.  

About Treasure Island Sailing Center
The Treasure Island Sailing Center (TISC) is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to improve the Bay Area community and the sport of sailing by providing access, facilities, and sailing instruction to people of all socioeconomic backgrounds, skill levels, and physical abilities. To learn more about our youth, adult, and adaptive sailing programs, call (415) 421-2225 or visit http://www.tisailing.org.

About Group Experiential Learning
Group Experiential Learning (GEL) helps businesses forge high performance teams and enhance working relationships with clients and key partners through active, outdoor experiential programs. GEL is based in San Francisco, California, and delivers consulting services and its industry leading BoatWorks program across the U.S. and in select international locations. GEL’s founder and president is Jay Palace, a former technology executive who has combined his passion for sailing with his practical experience leading sales and marketing organizations to create GEL’s unique on-the-water experiences. Via these programs that mirror the challenges faced by today’s corporate leaders and knowledge workers, GEL has enabled teams to break down silos, communicate more effectively, make better decisions, and increase overall team performance. http://www.gelcorp.com.

About OCSC SAILING
OCSC SAILING is the premier sailing club in North America. For over 30 years, we have taught sailing on the San Francisco Bay. Because of our years of experience in sail training and corporate entertainment GEL has chosen OCSC SAILING as its San Francisco Bay partner. Together GEL and OCSC Sailing are able to provide your company with the exact sailing event desired. From simple sails for client entertainment and socializing to large celebrations and structured training in leadership and teambuilding, including landmark events in the Caribbean and Europe, GEL and OCSC SAILING can do it all. Contact OCSC SAILING at 1 800 223 2984 or visit http://www.ocsc.com.