Ikl loves his PHDs poor, hungry, and driven. Youth-sailing rock stars will be sorely disappointed if they arrive in Geneva expecting preferential treatment. HWS alumnus Andy Horton won a gold medal at the 1999 Pan-Am Games. Lake Union and Lake Washington. Use of Seattle YC's facilities, including the 8 420s and 15 Lasers.
Money comes from a variety of sources, including a growing alumni network.
The team attended a few Atlantic Coast intersectionals and two nationals last spring. It's fairly isolated and has never been able to gather significant momentum. However, Leppert is an experienced sailor who occasionally travels with his team to intersectionals. Leppert says the Northwest is getting stronger, but for the immediate future, the competitive regattas are all still at least a long drive away. While Leppert is dedicated to the team, the district, and making sure both survive and continue to grow, the NW could stumble if he leaves and isn't replaced.