By Emma Barhydt
Indian Harbor Yacht Club will host Layline to Los Angeles, a fundraising event on Saturday, October 18, 2025 to benefit U.S. sailors preparing to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The event is part of a broader initiative to address a longstanding funding gap that has challenged American competitiveness in international sailing.
According to event organizers, U.S. sailing athletes must self-fund the costs of multi-year campaigns, including coaching, equipment, travel, event fees, and living expenses. In contrast, sailors from other nations often receive substantial government support. This disparity, organizers note, has coincided with a decline in American sailing performance; from 2004 through 2024, the United States earned only five Olympic sailing medals, compared to multiple medals per Games in the latter half of the 20th century.
The October 18 program will feature four current Olympic hopefuls: Nevin Snow and Ian MacDiarmid, gold medalists in the men’s 49er class at the French Olympic Week regatta in April 2025, and Paris Henken and Helena Scutt, silver medalists in the women’s 49erFX class at the same event. They will be joined by U.S. Olympic Sailing head coach and two-time Olympic medalist Charlie McKee and America One Racing performance director Leandro Spina. The evening’s program will be moderated by Gary Jobson, an author, commentator, and former America’s Cup tactician.
The day’s events begin with a high-school sailing clinic from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m., providing young sailors with an opportunity to learn directly from the visiting athletes and coaches. A VIP roundtable follows from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., offering an intimate discussion on the challenges of Olympic-level training and competition. The main event — a dinner with live music and an auction — runs from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., featuring stories from the athletes about life at the top of the sport.
Proceeds from the fundraiser will support Project Podium, a national program designed to provide American sailors with elite coaching, technical expertise, and financial assistance to improve performance at the highest levels. The initiative is backed by a coalition of sailing organizations, including America One Racing, American Magic, the Sailing Foundation of New York, and the Schoonmaker Foundation.
Sponsorship opportunities for the event range from $5,000 Bronze Medal tables to $25,000 Podium Sweep tables. Higher-level packages include seating with athletes, photographs, and recognition in the event program. Individual tickets are available at $1,000 and $500 levels. A $25,000 Marquee Sponsorship provides top billing on event materials, including a back cover advertisement in the program and logo placement on banners and step-and-repeat displays.
The Sailing Foundation of New York, a nonprofit entity supporting Olympic and youth sailing, will process contributions for the event. All donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Reservations and donations can be made online through the Sailing Foundation of New York’s events page or by contacting olympics@ indianharboryc.com.
For more information visit the SFNY event page: https://www.sfny.org/event/ihycolympic-fundraiser/
