Yacht builder makes sailing possible at 2014 Gay Games

Tartan Yachts will be building 20 boats so the sailors can compete in the 2014 Gay Games presented by the Cleveland Foundation. It’s the first time in Gay Games history that an entire fleet of boats is being built by the same manufacturer specifically for use at the Gay Games.

“We couldn’t have offered sailing without such significant support from Tartan,” says Executive Director Tom Nobbe. “That would have been problematic, especially given Cleveland’s location on the southern edge of one of America’s Great Lakes.”

Tartan is the presenting sponsor for sailing as well as a platinum sponsor for the world’s largest LGBT multi-sport event scheduled August 9-16, 2014. Edgewater Yacht Club has agreed to host the sailing event, which will happen on 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 GG9 mission represents.”

As Steve Sokany, co-chair of the 2014 Gay Games, explains, Tartan is more than a sponsor. “Tartan is a true partner in every sense of the word. We’re excited to see its talented employees craft by hand each of the 20 boats necessary for the sport, drawing from its 50 years in the business.”

Tartan Yachts will be providing 20 of the new Tartan One Design Racers. Modeled after the award-winning Tim Jackett designed Tartan Fantail 26, the new Tartan One Design Racer adds a new dimension to the Tartan lineup. The Tartan One Design Racer is a solidly designed modern sport racer. The 9-foot cockpit is built to be sat in, rather than on. The new racer from Tartan comfortably accommodates a three- to four-person crew. The new Tartan One Design Racer is crafted to perform well in both light and rough seas. It is as much fun to sail single-handed with only the main, as it is to sail under spinnaker, yet it provides a stable and safe platform for an afternoon cruise with friends and family.