When Malin Burnam and Lowell North won the 1945 Star World Championship, they were 17 and 15 years, respectively. Three-time Olympic medalist Mark Reynolds spent his teen years alongside his dad who crewed for Dennis Conner to win 1971 Star Worlds. George Szabo was racing Stars as a teenager in the 1980s before going on to win the 2009 Star Worlds.
Early introduction to one design classes for kids had been the norm in the USA which led to adult involvement. However, the organization of youth sailing in the 1980s broke this cycle, leading to how today kids focus solely on age-based boats used only during their school years, and miss out on opportunities to help them continue in the sport.
This has required one design classes to question how to retain and attract participation, with the Star Class initiating their Education and Access Program. The class bought five boats in very good state that are available to applicants who are at least 20 years of age. For more information, click here.
