Summer Sailstice, coming June 21-22
If you're anywhere in the world in the northern hemisphere, it's soon to be the longest day of the year, the summer solstice. Since 2001, sailors from around the world have come together on the summer solstice to create a global celebration of sailing called Summer Sailstice. 
'Summer Sailstice'
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This year's event will be celebrated on the weekend of June 21st and 22nd by over 10,000 sailors worldwide. Founded as a way to unite the diverse and dispersed community of sailors, Summer Sailstice is now used by numerous sailing clubs, classes and organizations as a way to launch the summer sailing season, and to connect with others locally and globally.
Summer Sailstice is structured so any sailor can participate, regardless of what or where they sail. Sailors register on the Summer Sailstice website (www.summersailstice.com) to tell others about their weekend sailing plans, to find and organize events in their local areas, and to become eligible to win one of over 300 sailing industry prizes. UK-Halsey has been a sponsor of Sailstice since its inception.
Founder John Arndt has seen this annual event attract participation from every sort of sailing craft, from windsurfers and kite boards, to tall ships and multihulls. Sailors have registered to participate from 49 states and 20 countries.
Arndt said, 'The goal of the global event is to empty all the berths and harbors in the Northern Hemisphere, getting all sailors, friends and family out on the water on the first two days of summer.'
As for this year's event, Arndt continued, 'The time is right for the world to see what sailing has to offer. With the price of gas over $4 per gallon and increasing concerns about global warming and protecting the environment, it's time for sailing to bring attention to this more earth friendly way of enjoying life on the water."
One of Summer Sailstice's key messages in 2008 is promoting the natural harnessing of wind power for recreational enjoyment with negligible impact on the environment.
by Adam Loory, UK-Halsey 
Mudgeeraba, QLD
