By Betsy Crowfoot
Orange County Bureau Chief

SAN FRANCISCO-AdventureSail of San Francisco -- run in conjunction with Dawn Riley's America True challenger for the America's Cup XXX -- has been named US Sailing's Outsdtanding New Sailing Program of 1996.

The award was presented February 8 in Long Beach by US Sailing's Community Sailing Council chairman John Kantor who recognized award-winners for "bringing the joy of sailing to the lives of those who otherwise might not experience it."

According to Melissa Mooney, who coordinates AdventureSail of San Francisco, the program was created by Doris Colgate, under the auspices of the National Women's Sailing Association (NWSA) during the summer of 1996. America True got on the bandwagon last fall and took a leadership position in promoting, organizing and securing sponsorship for the program nationwide. Mooney said her group will help to liason between community sailing programs and the youth organizations, with programs in 13 communities lined up by next summer.

AdventureSail has targeted inner city, at-risk youth, using the sport of sailing to develop confidence, provide positive life experiences, and introduce marine industry and science career options. Curriculum includes a day of sailing at an approved sailing venue, exposure to nautical heritage, scholorships for continued participation and potential marine industry internships. Additionally, the youngsters are teamed up with mentors who provide motivation and continued access to the sport.

The San Francisco operation seeks to offer sailing instruction to 10,000 teenagers within the next four years. Riley announced America True's affiliation with AdventureSail in October. Mooney has been assigned responsibility for coordinating AdventureSail programs, in addition to public relations duties at America True.