Sail locally, celebrate globally- it's Summer Sailstice again

by Blackwattle Studios on 29 May 2009 In the face of tough economies right across the sailing world, the Summer Sailstice celebration for the longest days of the summer that began in California nine years ago is now celebrated almost globally, with all American states and 20 other countries participating worldwide. They are also expecting a greater than usual participation

Summer Sailstice have announced June 20-21 for this year's annual sailing holiday on the summer solstice weekend and the record participation they expect is for two reasons: People want to sail away their cares, and more sailors than ever are showing support for ocean conservation.

'This year people want to unplug and get away from it all,' said Sailstice founder John Arndt at the recent Strictly Sail Pacific boat show taking place in Oakland, California. 'We expect record participation in Sailstice 2009. The holiday's parties, imaginative events, and environmental goals emphasize the relaxing and accessible nature of sailing. School's out, and nothing's better than grabbing cool drinks, a picnic lunch, and enjoying the water with friends and family on the longest day of the year. Sailstice helps everyone focus on simple, low-cost ways to enjoy sailing.'

This year's event goes beyond good sailing, good parties, and good connections between sailors to doing good for the sailing environment. Arndt explains, 'Sailing is already an earth-friendly way to enjoy life on the water, so Summer Sailstice is working with the conservation group Sailors for the Sea to support their ‘Around the Americas’ adventure. Participating sailors can pledge funds for every mile sailed during the Summer Sailstice weekend.' The goal is for Sailstice participants to sail a combined 25,000 miles, equivalent to a circumnavigation of North and South America, with all funds benefiting the on-going ocean preservation programs of Sailors for the Sea.

Arndt concludes, 'The long range forecast is for a great summer of sailing. We ask everyone to grow sailing and benefit conservation by registering to participate and encouraging friends to do so.' For more information and to sign up visit www.SummerSailstice.com.


Summer Sailstice 2009 will be celebrated by over 12,000 sailors worldwide, with hundreds more potential sailors or friends and family participating in a related event. Sailors have registered to participate from all 50 states and 20 countries.

The 50th state, North Dakota, joined in last year as a group of six boats organized a cruise and raft-up on Lake Sakakawea. Every sort of sailing craft participates, from windsurfers and kite boards, to tall ships and multihulls. With 70 percent of the world's population less than 50 miles from a shoreline, potential future participation could reach millions.

Founded as a way to unite the diverse and dispersed community of sailors locally and globally, Summer Sailstice is structured so any sailor can participate regardless of what or where they sail. Sailors register on the Summer Sailstice website (www.SummerSailstice.com) to tell others about their weekend sailing plans, find or create events in their local areas, and become eligible to win one of over 300 sailing prizes including a one-week Moorings charter in the BVI.


So mark your calendar for Summer Sailstice 2009: June 20/21. Over 400 prizes being awarded to participants in Summer Sailstice 2009.
'To desire nothing beyond what you have is surely happiness. Aboard a boat, it is frequently possible to achieve just that. That is why sailing is a way of life, one of the finest of lives.' Carleton Mitchell

Sail locally, celebrate globally.
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Letters from Readers:
Sender: Paul Oliva

Message: A friend forwarded this article to me. It's great to see this in SailWorld. Since Summer Sailstice happens on the second weekend after school lets out, I rely on it to kick off summer sailing / cruising for my family and to connect with other cruising boats from our area who may want to raft up later. But I am also excited to see so many non-sailors, families, and kids attend the Sailstice event we have here just to check out sailing.