Bill Koch Joins The National Sailing Center & Hall of Fame

ANNAPOLIS, Md., Feb. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Bill Koch has stepped forward and offered a $500,000 challenge grant to the National Sailing Center & Hall of Fame as they launch the 2011 Capital Campaign. Koch, a prominent American businessman, America's Cup winner and avid competitive sailor, joins Ted Turner, Dennis Conner, Paul Cayard, Gil Grosvenor, Morgan Freeman and other outstanding leaders in the sailing community on the Honorary Advisory Board.

Koch believes in the Center's mission to raise the profile of sailing and to teach America's youth American history, science, math, environmental stewardship, art and technology through sailing. With this challenge grant, Koch is taking a leadership role in shaping the direction of the campaign to create an educational center and Hall of Fame for sailing—one of the only major sports to not have a Hall of Fame. Koch anticipates his gift will inspire others in the business and sailing community across the country to join the effort.

"We are thrilled to have Bill's support and leadership as we enter into a very exciting year for the Hall of Fame," remarked Richard Franyo, President of the National Sailing Center & Hall of Fame. "His leadership and support couldn't be better timed for us and will be a major boost as we continue our educational activities at the Sailing Center as well as launch our Capital Campaign."

The National Sailing Center & Hall of Fame will create the aspiration for young sailors to achieve Hall of Fame status and provide heroes for the hundreds of thousands of youth sailors across the country. The Hall of Fame will induct their first class in 2011.

The National Sailing Center & Hall of Fame (NSHOF) is a non-profit educational institution dedicated to preserving the history of sailing and its impact on our culture, honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to American sailing, teaching math, science and American history, inspiring and encouraging sailing development, and providing a landmark for sailing enthusiasts. Located on the Annapolis waterfront, the NSHOF will be an interactive state of the art education facility and a place where visitors of all ages can explore the achievements, science, skills and traditions of American sailing.

SOURCE National Sailing Center & Hall of Fame