Tartan Fantail
Tartan Yachts will provide an entire fleet of boats for the 2014 Gay Games, the world’s largest sporting and cultural event organized by and specifically for LGBT athletes, artists, and musicians. It’s the first time in the Games’ history that an entire fleet of boats is being built by the same manufacturer for specific use in the Games.
The 2014 edition of the Gay Games will take place in Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, which is near the Tartan Yachts factory in Fairport Harbor.
“We couldn’t have offered sailing without such significant support from Tartan,” says executive director Tom Nobbe. “That would’ve been problematic, especially given Cleveland’s location on the southern edge of Lake Erie.”
“When we were first approached about helping with the Gay Games sailing event for 2014, we were excited about being part of such a large, global event taking place right in our own backyard,” says Steve Malbasa, owner of Tartan Yachts. “When you think about it, sailing is about taking a headwind and turning it into something that will propel you forward. It’s a great metaphor for life and one that we think the Gay Games mission represents.”
Tartan will be providing 20 of the new Tartan One Design Racers, which are modeled after the Tim Jackett- designed Tartan Fantail 26. With a nine-foot long cockpit, the new racer can comfortably accommodate a three to four person crew. The boat is designed to perform well in both light air and heavier weather and be safe and stable.
Like the other events in the Games, sailing is open to everybody 18 and older. Registration has already begun, and at least one sailor is an experienced Olympian. Sailing at Gay Games involves three preliminary rounds with a day of finals. Both competitive and recreational divisions are available in this four-person-per-boat event.
To register for the 2014 Gay Games sailing events, visit www.gg9cle.com/sports/sports-list/sailing. For more information about sponsoring a new Tartan One Design Racer, please visit www.tartangg9.com.
Tartan and the Games have teamed up to offer special sponsorship opportunities for these 20 boats. For more information, contact Christine Corbissero at 440-210-5133.
