2004
Home > Journals > 2004 Relaunch – Les Sables
Ocean Planet/USA 05 Update from Bruce Schwab:
Monday, May 18, 2004
Youth Adventure on Ocean Planet!
I’ve been busy as a springtime bee working on the boat, but I wanted to let you know about a very special event coming up.
Check it out!
“Capt’n Eli’s Root Beer and MaineToday.com Launch Casco Bay Youth Adventure Aboard Ocean Planet: Pledge to Raise $40,000 for Youth Aspiration Programs
PORTLAND, MAINE — (May 3, 2004) – Capt’n Eli’s Root Beer and MaineToday.com have partnered on the launch of the Casco Bay Youth Adventure to raise money for the aspiration programs of the Opportunity Farm for Boys and Girls and The Made in America Foundation. This cruise will set sail from Portland Yacht Services on Thursday, July 29 aboard Ocean Planet — the only modern US Open 60 class racing yacht — helmed by solo round-the-world sailor, Bruce Schwab. Schwab is the only American entered in the 2004 Vendee Globe Race – a solo, non-stop, unassisted race around the world. No American sailor has yet officially finished this challenging race.
100% of the proceeds raised from the Casco Bay Youth Adventure will go to support these two non-profit organizations. Funds will be raised through sponsors who pledge to send a young person on this once-in-a-lifetime sail. Sponsors can select the child of their choice or opt to send a young person from the Opportunity Farm.
Joe Michaud, president of MaineToday.com, is delighted to be a part of launching the Youth Adventure sail. “This is a wonderful opportunity to bring the community together and provide a unique experience for Maine kids while supporting two terrific organizations.”
The Opportunity Farm for Boys and Girls in New Gloucester has been providing a stable home for at-risk Maine youth for nearly 100 years. Its early intervention and long-term support programs have helped countless young people become independent, self-sufficient adults.
Founded in 1999, The Made in America Foundation has built Ocean Planet as an inspirational American entry for the Around Alone and Vendee Globe Races. Today, the foundation is a platform to offer a comprehensive educational program that promote youth aspirations as well as the importance of our world’s oceans.
Fifth grade teacher Anne Thomas said, “Our class followed Bruce around the world last year via email, and the kids looked forward to his exciting photos and videos. It enhanced our studies of geography, history and weather. Bruce is an inspiration and a role model.”
“We have only one planet to share with each other, and it is truly an Ocean Planet,” noted Bruce Schwab. “To accomplish a dream like sailing alone around the world is a lot of work. You come across huge stumbling blocks that seem insurmountable. It may not be easy, but how you overcome the obstacles and setbacks that you didn’t expect will tell you more about yourself than you can imagine. This is one of the best parts of the whole adventure, and the core message I try to convey to the kids who follow Ocean Planet through The Made in America Foundation.”
“The fundraising goal for the Youth Adventure sail is $40,000 but the event is much more than a chance to raise money,” said Fred Forsley, founder of Capt’n Eli’s Root Beer. “It’s a chance to provide a young person with an experience they might otherwise never have.”
Sponsors already onboard include: The Buckley Group, Turner Barker Realty, Joe Jones Ski and Sports, and the Liberty Group.
MaineToday.com is the largest news and information Web site north of Boston.
Capt’n Eli’s Root Beer is one of only a handful of root beers produced in Maine and the only soda in the world with an on-line daily Web comic inspired by the brand. Captneli.com features the maritime adventures of Capt’n Eli and his crew.
Discover more at http://www.bruceschwab.com/updt_usa05_2004/www.captneli.com.”
Pretty cool, eh? Ok, back to sanding and fundraising for me….
Bruce Schwab, Skipper
USA 05/Ocean Planet