Eight Bells: Clagett Sailing President and Co-Founder Judy Clagett McLennan
PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (November 17, 2023) –The board of directors of Clagett Sailing announces the passing of Juliette Clagett McLennan (January 7, 1946 - November 15, 2023), the nonprofit organizations co-founder and president.
“My mother was an avid sailor, and her positive impact on the sport, especially for people living with disabilities, will be felt for decades to come,” says Stephanie McLennan.
In 2003, Judy and her daughter Stephanie founded Clagett Sailing in memory of her father, C. Thomas “Tom” Clagett Jr. The nonprofit organization provides opportunities for sailors with disabilities to learn, race, win and to experience Paralympic-level sailing competition.
With Judy’s leadership, the first few annual clinics and regattas grew into a widely respected sailing organization, including a second yearly match racing event in Oyster Bay, NY. Also, U.S. Sailing, the sport’s national governing body, designated the Clagett Sailing clinic and regatta as a sanctioned event to determine national championships.
In 2022, Clagett Sailing marked the 20th Anniversary of the Clagett Newport. Over the past two decades, sailors who train at the Clagett Sailing clinic and regattas have earned medals at the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Paralympic Games.
“The legacy that my mother leaves is one of camaraderie and inclusion that will live on in the work Clagett Sailing will continue to accomplish in her memory,” says McLennan.