Morris Yachts Chosen by the U.S.C.G. Academy to Build The New Leadership 44 Training Vessels

"We look at the partnership of designer and builder for our Leadership 44 program as a huge win/win for everybody involved. We have in David Pedrick one of the most acclaimed yacht designers in the world and in our builder, Morris Yachts, we have arguably the finest builder in the country and a firm that will be our partner long after our last boat is launched," said Bob Hallock Leadership 44 Procurement Chair.

"This is a very prestigious and timely contract for Morris Yachts," said Morris, "It is an honor to be chosen by our country's Coast Guard to build these craft. These vessels are the foundation of leadership training at the Coast Guard Academy. Secondly, it allows Morris to bring back as many as 20 of our skilled workers who were furloughed this summer due to economic times."

Mechanics, electricians, carpenters and composite craftsmen will be re-hired this fall. As the promotional material states, the Coast Guard hope to build as many as 8 - one for each Cadet company.

The Academy is involved in a large capital campaign to fund the project. They believe firmly that putting Cadets under sail is the best way to teach future maritime officers the ways of the sea, and acquire a love for its lore. Under sail, the future officer gains a greater appreciation and respect for the wind, waves, and tides.

Sailing craft also provide Cadets a valuable leadership experience - often their first experience at command and control at sea. A ship under sail tests the true character and mettle of a young officer, and provides invaluable lessons on the importance of teamwork.

The Leadership 44s Capital Campaign seeks to raise the funds needed to replace the aging Luders.

• First capital campaign involving all Academy stakeholders to meet one of the Academy Superintendent's top priorities
• Designed to be a floating leadership platform, providing Cadets a maritime experience that is difficult to recreate with large cutters
• Primary platform for the 2/c Coastal Sail Training Program; considered by most Cadets to be their seminal leadership experience while at the Academy
• Provide all Cadets with small craft command and control, navigation, and seamanship experiences
• Will be used as an extension of the Cadet barracks, with each Cadet Company having access to, and responsibility for, its own boat
• Extends the waterfront season, providing Cadets more time underway and the standardization of the off-shore sailing program
• Showcases the Academy as one of the premier waterfront facilities in the country

For more information on the program go to: www.cgaleadership44.org.