Dear BYC Maritime Sciences & Seamanship Foundation,

Thank you so much for the support I received  for the Orange Bowl Regatta this past December.  This regatta was my first  Orange Bowl, and the first opportunity I had to sail on the east coast. This experience and  trip was amazing.   I had a great time sailing in Miami with my crew, Cassie Obel.  The conditions were one that I was not used to and it was a new experience.  The wind was extremely shifty,  going from around 15 knots, then progressively dying throughout the week, even not having a race one of the days.  Despite the conditions, I was able to get in a few good races, learn a lot, and have a good time doing it. I am very glad I went and I had a great time.  Although we did not get top 20, the experience and learning we had was awesome.

Orange Bowl 2012 BYC Team - Leah Russell, Megan Roach, Cassie Obel, Jeff Tolan, Christophe Killian & Harrison Vandervort

Also, I would like to thank  BYC Maritime Sciences & Seamanship Foundation, for their funding and support for the SCYYRA clinic prior to the Orange Bowl.  This weekend clinic with its great coaches and instruction helped me prepare greatly in sailing 420’s in the Orange Bowl and  helped me improve my overall sailing skills  in different  waters.  I was proud to represent the Balboa Yacht Club, and I could not have done this without the help and support of the Foundation.

 Thank you very much,

Jeff Tolan

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