Sept. 10, 2008

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Ian Burman has been named the head coach for the Navy Intercollegiate Sailing team, Naval Academy director of athletics Chet Gladchuk recently announced. In addition, Brian Clancy will join him on the staff as an assistant coach.

Burman, an Annapolis native, and Georgetown graduate, comes from the professional sailing area working most recently with Stagg yachts. Burman has had great success in coaching high school and junior programs, winning three National Championships in his tenure at Coronado (Calif.) High School.

"I am thrilled about the opportunity to step in and I'm ready for the challenge," Burnam said. "As a young team, we are in a place where we can move forward and build on the success and momentum gained from last season. This is a very exciting time for our program and also in my career. I look forward to coaching once again and bringing Naval Academy sailing to the next level."

"We are thrilled to have Ian on board. This intercollegiate team represents the best sailors at the Naval Academy," stated Captain Stephen Evans, the head of USNA Professional Development. "His positive attitude, proven record and commitment to win will help mold our midshipmen into better leaders. Coach Burman and his team will represent the face of the Naval Academy and we couldn't be more excited."

Burnam replaces John Vandemoer, who served as head coach of the Midshipmen for the past 18 months, before leaving to take the same position at Stanford.

In addition, Brian Clancy comes to the Naval Academy as an assistant coach as a native of Scituate, Mass., where he grew up sailing. Brian spent four years on the Hobart and William Smith sailing team. During that time period, HWS recorded two first-place finishes, a second-place finish and three third-place finishes at the Dinghy National Championships.

Clancy was named to the Intercollegiate All-American team for his performance in 2006 coed dinghy racing. After graduating from Hobart College in 2007 with a degree in international relations, Clancy has focused on coaching at the youth national level as well as competing on the team race circuit.

The Navy intercollegiate sailing team's schedule is loaded with several regattas this year and will begin on Sept. 13.

# GO NAVY #