Ukraine’s Odesa Sailing Center Seeks Equipment to Launch Youth Program

The Odesa Sailing Center (OSC) is building new opportunities for sailors in Ukraine and is turning to the international sailing community for support as it works to launch a youth sailing program.

I was able to connect with Eugene Vitebsky, Sport Director of the Odesa Sailing Center, to learn more about the organization and what the team is looking to build. Founded to create opportunities for competitive sailors in Odesa, OSC is the second public sailing organization in Ukraine and is focused on athlete development and competitive sailing.

The organization is currently working with war veterans and sailors with disabilities through a 2.4mR program, with approximately 50 participants involved. This summer, the team was also able to connect with the Clagett Sailing community at the 2026 U.S. Para Sailing Championship, where they learned more about coaching and supporting adaptive sailing. The center’s goal is to eventually compete at the 2.4mR World Championship.

With the para sailing program underway, Vitebsky has also received growing interest from families looking to introduce their children to sailing.

The OSC already has experienced young coaches on its team who are ready to build the program. Now, the organization needs the equipment to get those sailors on the water.

The OSC is looking for used or ex-charter Opti hulls, rigs and sails, as well as other beginner-friendly boats such as Lasers, that can help introduce a new generation of Ukrainian sailors to the sport.

Despite the challenges of the current situation in Ukraine, the goal is straightforward: get boats on the water and give sailors the opportunity to learn, train, and compete.

The Odesa Sailing Center has already established an agreement with a shipping company to assist with transportation to Ukraine. The remaining challenge is connecting available equipment with the organization and finding a club or individual who can help coordinate collection and temporary storage before shipment.

How You Can Help:

Sail1Design is helping spread the word to the sailing community. Clubs, teams and individuals with equipment to donate are encouraged to consider supporting the Odesa Sailing Center.

If you have Optis, rigs, sails or other beginner-friendly equipment that could help get this program on the water, contact [email protected] or [email protected]. The Sail1Design team can help connect donors with the Odesa Sailing Center and coordinate the next steps.

This is an opportunity to build on Odesa’s strong competitive sailing history and give young sailors the chance to experience the sport and become part of the sailing community. 

One boat can be the beginning of a sailing career.