Exciting news from the Bahamas! We're thrilled to announce that five of our brightest junior sailors are gearing up for the 2024 Optimist North American Championships in San Juan, Puerto Rico, happening from July 13th to 20th.

Hey everyone, I'm Javien Rankine, and I'm super stoked to connect with you today to share some exciting news that's landed in my lap. But before I dive into that, let me give you a quick glimpse into who I am.

I'm just a 14-year-old kid, rockin' the halls of Deep Creek Middle School in Eleuthera. When I'm not hitting the books, you can find me soaking up the sun, diving deep into the ocean with my scuba gear, and casting lines for the big catch – I'm all about that salt life, especially when it involves fishing! Oh, and did I mention I've got a cool big sis and two awesome younger siblings? Yep, that's me, the middle child holdin' down the fort.

Ok now back to why we are here!!! I'm honored to be named a Bahamian sailing sensation along with my teammates, and ranked 3rd in our country among the junior sailors. I've been honing in on my skills with the Eleuthera Sailing Academy for the past five years, it's had its ups and downs, I'm not gunna lie, but every time I'm on the water I pour my heart and soul into every sail. Under the wings of my amazing coaches, Martin and Carlin, I've been on an incredible journey of growth. Their belief in me sparked a new fire this year, I never knew I had. They've been there every step of the way, pushing me to reach new heights and to never back down, even when the going gets tough. Their unwavering support and encouragement have fueled a dream within me – the dream of proudly representing my country on the world stage.

My hard work and dedication has paid off big time, earning a spot in this prestigious championship. But there's a catch – my family needs a little financial boost to make this dream trip a reality. The total cost, covering everything from airfare to accommodation, comes to just under $6,000 usd.

My parents, we're over the moon about my achievements this year, and I'm determined to show them I've got what it takes. This will truly be a testament to my passion and perseverance. However, we're facing a roadblock due to the financial aspect. I would be immensely grateful for any support you could offer to help me seize this incredible opportunity. 

If you're curious to learn more about our youth sailing program, check out http://www.eleutherasailingacademy.com.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks in advance to each and every one of you for your consideration, incredible support and belief in me. Your generosity will not only help me chase my dreams but will also be a beacon of inspiration for other young sailors who dare to dream big too!

From the depths of my heart, thank you for being a part of this amazing journey with me. Let's chart a course and set our sails to San Juan, Puerto Rico together! 

With heartfelt gratitude,
Javien Rankine