11th Hour Racing returns as official education partner of Atlantic Cup

Atlantic Cup Kids program © Julianna Barbieri

Atlantic Cup Kids program © Julianna Barbieri

Manuka Sports Event Management is pleased to announce 11th Hour Racing as the Official Education Partner for the 2018 Atlantic Cup. With 11th Hour Racing's support, the Atlantic Cup is able to expand upon the already popular Atlantic Cup Kids program that debuted in 2012.

The Atlantic Cup Kids Program provides an opportunity for students, teachers and mentors to visit the boats and engage, hands on, with the sailors and learn about the history and science of sailing as well as the oceans and environment. The Atlantic Cup Kids Program coordinator, Dave Rearick, is a former Atlantic Cup Champion, has sailed around the world solo, and is an 11th Hour Racing Ambassador. Dave is known to the kids as Captain Dave. Dave will visit the school districts in Charleston, New York, and Portland in advance of the race to educate children in the classroom before their on-site experience while the boats are in port. Inquiries for school visits can be directed to Dave@AtlanticCup.org.

The Atlantic Cup Kids programming helps children learn about the environmental challenges facing our waterways and oceans along with geography, sailing terms, math, and science. The Kids Program also expands on the sustainability initiatives of the race and is featured on the Atlantic Cup website. Teachers and parents can download worksheets to follow along during the race and learn more about the environment and the waterways of the United States. In addition, the Kids Program will present the Fan Favorite Award to the team voted the Atlantic Cup Kids Favorite Team. All are encouraged to vote for their favourite team here

The 6th edition of the Atlantic Cup will start May 26, 2018 in Charleston, South Carolina. Covering 1,008 nautical miles offshore, and being the only race to sail around both major east coast capes (Cape Hatteras and Cape Cod), the Atlantic Cup is the longest and toughest offshore race in the United States. Teams of two will race from Charleston to New York City. After a brief stopover in New York, teams will race a second leg to Portland, Maine where the race will culminate the weekend of June 10th with a two-day inshore series.

Co-Founder and Strategy Director of 11th Hour Racing, Jeremy Pochman said, "I am thrilled that we are continuing our support of The Atlantic Cup through the education program. We are excited to see the educational impact the race has had over the past five editions and their continuing commitment to engaging youth in sustainability."

Manuka Sports Event Management Co-Founder and Atlantic Cup Race Director, Hugh Piggin, said, "Our Kids program is the corner stone of our sustainability efforts. If we don't face the environmental challenges that exist today and engage the next generation in tackling these challenges, the recreation and enjoyment of our natural environment may be lost. Fortunately, with the ongoing support of 11th Hour Racing, we are able to include the next generation in a positive and fun way as we push to secure the health and sustainability of our ocean playground."

www.atlanticcup.org/kids