For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Foy Curley
Membership Director
281-474-2511, ext. 217
Prestigious Rauscher Award Presented to LYC Youth Sailor Lance Covington
Seabrook, TX: The LYC Youth Sailors celebrated their 2019 season at the Seahorse Ball Jan. 11, where Lance Covington was presented the prestigious Joseph C. Rauscher Award.  

Covington was chosen as this year's recipient by the Lakewood Officers, staff, Junior Flag Officers and Seahorse program participants because he exhibits qualities of leadership, fellowship and maturity, and for his involvement in all aspects of youth activities as well as contributions in the community.

Lance has been sailing since the age of 8 after getting an Opti for Christmas. He joined LYC as a student member and advanced through the different racing fleets. He's had some tremendous on-the-water experiences that he will never forget, including representing the U.S. in Newport, Belgium, for the Flanders Regatta in the North Sea. He declined an invitation to British Nationals to move from the Opti to a Laser where he competed in the Texas Sailing Association Circuit and then in larger U.S. Sailing regattas. The stiff competition among the Laser forced him to commit countless hours in the gym, numerous chalk talks, and many long days on the water. 

"That year and a half of competing and traveling and racing against the best youth sailors in the country has been the best time of my life," said Covington. "The sailing was extraordinarily fun and the competition was great! The traveling allowed me to experience things I know I wouldn’t have done otherwise, surfing the biggest shore break in California, hiking the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, and being surrounded by my teammates while getting to share those experiences with them. It was like having a family away from my family and I know they will be lifelong friends."

Lance has served as a camp counselor at Lakewood and on the Junior Flag. He was Junior Commodore in 2019. While sailing has been a significant part of his life, he has also been active in the Bay Area Cotillion Program as a participant and then as a student instructor. He served the community in various ways, including projects like working in the Houston Food Bank, preparing lunches and reading to underprivileged school children, home and landscaping restorations, and most recently projects through the Bay Area Lunar Rendezvous Organization where he served as a Lieutenant.

Lance will be starting college in the fall, but says "I may be moving forward with my life, but I'm not leaving the wind and the water that I so learned to love at Lakewood Yacht Club."

Questions about the LYC Youth Sailing Program can be directed to Terry Flynn at waterfrontdirector@lakewoodyachtclub.com .
About Lakewood Yacht Club
Lakewood Yacht Club is a private, member-owned club with great amenities to enjoy with friends and family, and located on 38 beautifully landscaped acres in the NE corner of Clear Lake. The Club provides its members an exceptional environment for socializing, boating and enjoying other water activities.