Indian Harbor Yacht Club’s Layline to Los Angeles a Success! 

IHYC Sets a New Standard…and Raises $250K for America One Racing

What a Night — And What a Turning Point

The Layline to Los Angeles celebration at Indian Harbor Yacht Club (IHYC) wasn’t just another fundraiser – it became the sailing event that closed out the season with purpose and momentum. With a sold-out crowd of 185 and more than $250,000 expected in net proceeds for the 49er and 49erFX America One Racing (A1R) Project Podium teams, the message was clear: this community is ready to elevate the US in Olympic sailing.

A Program That Inspired and Energized

Rear Commodore Sarah S. Fey opened the night with a warm welcome before guests were immersed in exclusive videos and “What It Takes” panel moderated by Gary Jobson. The panel, featuring Project Podium athletes Nevin Snow & Ian MacDiarmid, Paris Henken & Helena Scutt, as well as Olympic Bronze Medalist Hans Henken and A1R Leader Leandro Spina, offered a behind-the-scenes look at the commitment required to reach Olympic podiums. Their passion made one thing unmistakable: these athletes are ready to redefine American excellence in the 49er and 49erFX classes.

A Night of Impact

Dinner remarks from Phil Zecher, IHYC Member and Board Member of the Schoonmaker Foundation, set the stage for an entertaining auction led by Terry Betteridge. It was the paddle raise – fueled by Gary Jobson’s trademark enthusiasm – that lit up the room and showcased the power of a united community.

Thanks to the outstanding leadership of Rear Commodore Sarah Fey and Event Chair Alexandra Walko, IHYC delivered an evening of flawless execution, spirited energy and exceptional hospitality. The event didn’t just succeed…it created a national model for future yacht club Project Podium fundraisers.

A Milestone Partnership

The Sailing Foundation of New York is proud to announce that the Indian Harbor Yacht Club has joined the St Francis Sailing Foundation as a Founding Partner Yacht Club. While SFNY and StFSF are independent entities, they work closely with the New York Yacht Club (SFNY) and the St Francis Yacht Club (StFSF).  Distinguished guests included Vice Commodore Clare Harrington (NYYC), IHYC Past Commodore and NYYC current Rear Commodore Peter Cummiskey, and Carolyn Patrick, a driving force at both the St Francis Yacht Club and the St Francis Sailing Foundation.

Why Project Podium Matters

Project Podium provides elite sailors in the US with the full-time, fully funded professional support structure that top sailing nations – including the UK, Spain, the Netherlands and Italy – already offer their Olympic athletes. By removing fundraising and operational burdens, our athletes can compete internationally at the level required to win. This redefined approach is supported by:

A Word From Leadership

Thomas Stark, President and Board Member of the Sailing Foundation of NY and IHYC Member, shared his enthusiasm for this inaugural event: “As a long-term IHYC Member, I could not be prouder. The Club did an incredible job and Members showed up in force. Having Gary Jobson with us was extraordinary; his dedication to the sport is unmatched. When originally asked if he’d support the event, Gary said, ‘In a NY (or CT) minute — what is the date and time?’ IHYC now stands beside NYYC and St Francis Yacht Club as key partners of America One Racing. Pretty good company!”

Thank You

To all attendees, donors, and supporters:  thank you for fueling a meaningful night that will help accelerate critical support to Project Podium athletes on their quest for Gold in Los Angeles 2028. Together, we are building the momentum our athletes need and deserve.