Welcome to the December edition of Project LifeSail Campaign newsletter.

Looking Back...

As the year draws to a close, we often take the time to reflect on what the year brought. For us, it's been a whirlwind of challenges - from getting the campaign off the ground to getting the boat prepped for practice to the windless days of "racing." But the rewards easily outweighed the challenges on the scales of life - from the graciousness of our featured families and their incredible stories of triumph to the outpouring of support from the sailing community to the donations from supporters around the country.

And we're looking for continued success in 2006. With our start date of July 4th for the Pacific Cup '06 race, we have a short seven months to continue to make a difference for the March of Dimes and all the premies benefiting from their work.

...And Moving Forward

For us, the year starts with a bang at the Portland Boat Show (January 7-15), where the campaign will be featured by show management in their program as well as with the local media. Stop by to see us at booth #140 if you're in the neighborhood.

Following the show, work on the boat will continue through the winter. Thanks to the great people at Columbia Crossings, we'll be doing so out of the rain and under the cover of one of their storage units. Next comes the 30th racing of the Oregon Offshore. After that, we are eagerly anticipating our send-off gala – the Columbia Crossings Cup Regatta (June 10, 2006) – courtesy of the great people at Columbia Crossings. Finally, we’ll be in San Francisco for our July 4th start date and the race across 2,100 miles of open ocean to Oahu, Hawaii. Whew!

Again, thanks for all those who have supported us through the year. As you know, 100% of all individual donations go directly to the March of Dimes to fight premature birth. And for those who have been procrastinating, keep in mind that all donations made prior to the start of 2006 will help lower your 2005 tax burden. Go ahead…take this last opportunity to get that final deduction before the taxman comes knocking.

Looking for other ways to help out? It's easy.

• Include the following text in your outgoing e-mail signature - Premature birth is the leading killer of newborns, and a major cause of serious lifelong health problems. Join Project LifeSail and the March of Dimes to help give all babies a fighting chance.
• Enter to win a week in Mazatlan, Mexico, including deluxe, beachfront accommodations and airfare for two from anywhere in the continental United States. Contact Peter or Jeff directly to enter. Only 500 $20 tickets will be sold.
• Join us June 10, 2006 for the Columbia Crossings Cup Regatta and Send-off Luau, featuring live music, silent and live auctions, a buffet and tons of fun! Contact Ken Larty for details and tickets.
• Enter to win 6 months of free moorage courtesy of Columbia Crossings! Contact Ken Larty for tickets or see us at the Portland Boat Show.
• Sponsor: Contact Peter to let us know if your company is interested in becoming a key supporter of the campaign and the March of Dimes.

Happy holidays to all! See you in 2006.

Thanks to our current sponsors for helping make Project LifeSail a reality: