It is important that “America” restores Stars & Stripes. The goal is to involve as many people and organizations as possible.
You are invited to become a partner in this historic effort.
There are three categories of partnerships. These are:
Individual Donors
It is important that Americans from all walks of life, and from every corner of our great country, come together to restore Stars & Stripes. Then she will truly become “America’s” yacht. There will be two groups for individuals, Regular Donors & Major Donors ($1,000 and up).
Individual donors are also encouraged to make in-kind donations, especially of historical artifacts relating to Stars & Stripes and the 1987 America’s Cup. These artifacts, along with photographs and video footage will form the basis of the road show.
Yacht Clubs and Other Groups
A key part of this nation-wide effort will be the involvement of Yacht Clubs and other sailing groups. Each participating Yacht Club will be recognized as a Partner and provided with fundraising tools to engage their members in this important national effort.
Corporate Sponsors
There will be four Founding Sponsors (3 of which are already filled). These sponsors provide the initial funding to get the project started. Founding Sponsors will have a permanent seat on the Steering Committee.
There will be additional Sponsors who help to help restore Stars & Stripes, both in terms of funds and in-kind donations. There will also be Sponsors who support the tour of Stars & Stripes. Significant corporate sponsors will be invited to serve on the Steering Committee.
If you wish to become a partner in this project, please complete this form or send an email to
Governance
This project is being coordinated through the New York Harbor Sailing Foundation. The Foundation already owns and manages two other America’s Cup 12 Meters. The Foundation is a non-profit which is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3). All donations to the Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
The Foundation has committed to managing this project “in the interests of America” and will be advised by a Steering Committee of sponsors, yacht clubs and major donors. All funds raised to restore Stars & Stripes will be kept separate from other Foundation programs. The Foundation will attempt to ensure that the maximum amount of funds raised goes directly towards the restoration and the least amount will be used on administration. Whenever possible, the Foundation will use volunteers. The Directors and Executive Director of the Foundation are all unpaid volunteers.
If the Foundation becomes unable or unwilling to continue as a steward of Stars & Stripes at any point in the future, then the yacht will be offered or sold to the next caretakers in consultation with the Steering Committee and the Founding Sponsors would have right of first refusal. If the yacht is sold, proceeds would be distributed in an equitable fashion among the Foundation and Founding Sponsors so that all parties would be made as whole as possible.
CURRENT PARTNERS
Founding Sponsors
“Mount Gay has a rich heritage in sailing and a storied past with America’s Cup. With over four decades of commitment to the growth of the sailing community, it was a given Mount Gay would support the restoration of Stars & Stripes, and the transmission to new generations of the values of sailing: determination, collective achievement, respect, camaraderie. We can’t wait to set foot on board when restoration is complete.”
– Raphael Grisoni, Managing Director, Mount Gay
“When we were asked to help support the restoration of Stars and Stripes 87, the 12 meter that brought the America’s Cup home, we jumped at the opportunity. To be part of the team that will revive America’s winning spirit is a real thrill for everyone at ASA”
– Lenny Shabes Chairman of American Sailing.
“Over our nearly 50 year history, Gowrie Group has had the privilege of providing risk management and insurance solutions for the New York Yacht Club America’s Cup syndicate multiple times, including the Stars & Stripes team that won the Cup in 1987! Gowrie Group also insures the majority of yacht clubs in the US. We feel a deep connection to our nation’s sailing history and are honored to support this important restoration and outreach initiative as a Founding Corporate Sponsor.”
– Carter Gowrie, Managing Director & Founder of Gowrie Group
Yacht Clubs and Other Organizations
(in order of joining)
Our yacht club was founded in 1987 which is the same year when Stars & Stripes won the America’s Cup. Soon afterwards, Dennis visited our club in person, and he has been our most important patron ever since. It is a great honor for all of our Members to be the first yacht club to sign up to assist with the restoration of Stars & Stripes.
– Commodore Michael Fortenbaugh
Major Donors