PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (October 19, 2015) – World renowned oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle will be a keynote speaker at Sailing Leadership Forum 2016, hosted by US Sailing at the Hilton San Diego Resort on February 4-6. The Mission Blue founder and National Geographic Explorer in Residence has dedicated her career to uniting a global coalition of partners to inspire advanced public awareness, access and support for a worldwide network of marine protected areas.
Dr. Earle’s powerful message of ocean conservation is portrayed in the Netflix original documentary Mission Blue. The film was honored with the 2015 News & Documentary Emmy® Award for Outstanding Editing – Documentary and Long Form.
The author and lecturer has vast experience as a field research scientist, government official, and director for corporate and non-profit organizations including the Kerr McGee Corporation, Dresser Industries, Oryx Energy, the Aspen Institute, the Conservation Fund, American Rivers, Mote Marine Laboratory, Duke University Marine Laboratory, Rutgers Institute for Marine Science, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, and Ocean Futures.
A former Chief Scientist of NOAA, Dr. Earle is the Founder of Deep Ocean Exploration and Research, Inc. (DOER), Founder of the Sylvia Earle Alliance (S.E.A.)/Mission Blue, Chair of the Advisory Council of the Harte Research Institute, inspiration for the Ocean in Google Earth, and leader of the NGS Sustainable Seas Expeditions.
Dr. Earle has led more than 100 expeditions and logged more than 7,000 hours underwater including leading the first team of women aquanauts during the Tektite Project in 1970, participating in ten saturation dives, most recently in July 2012, and setting a record for solo diving in 1,000 meters depth. Her research concerns marine ecosystems with special reference to exploration, conservation and the development and use of new technologies for access and effective operations in the deep sea and other remote environments.
What is the Sailing Leadership Forum?
Sailing Leadership Forum 2016 offers a unique experience for leaders representing all areas of sailing to connect on important issues facing our sport. The Forum features a line-up of insightful presentations that address the many relevant topics in sailing.
Individuals from sail training and education, yacht club and sailing organization leaders, race officials, and industry professionals will meet and learn from one-another in the surroundings of this spectacular Southern California venue.
The Sailing Leadership Forum will feature lively and fun social events, hands-on activities, exhibitor displays and demonstrations, pre- and post- forum clinics and seminars for instructor certification, race management, and much more.
All sailors have something in common – the importance of keeping sailing vibrant and strong for future generations of sailors.
Register and learn more about Sailing Leadership Forum 2016.
US Sailing Media Contact: Jake Fish, jakefish@ussailing.org
About US Sailing
The United States Sailing Association (US Sailing), the national governing body for sailing, provides leadership, integrity, and growth for the sport in the United States. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, US Sailing is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. US Sailing offers training and education programs for instructors and race officials, supports a wide range of sailing organizations and communities, issues offshore rating certificates, and provides administration and oversight of competitive sailing across the country, including National Championships and the US Sailing Team Sperry. For more information, please visit www.ussailing.org.