All donations are managed through the Skiff Sailing Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports Olympic sailing. This ensures contributions are tax-deductible and used exclusively for athletic expenses.

Yes. Donations made through the Skiff Sailing Foundation are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Donations directly fund performance expenses such as race entry fees, charter boats, coaching, sails and gear, and travel to national and international competitions. Family travel and personal expenses are not included.

The Skiff Sailing Foundation only releases donated funds after I have turned in proof of expenses (receipts) along with proof of regatta attendance. The Foundation ensures that the donations are going to reimbursable competition related expenses only.

These expenses include equipment (sails, wetsuits, lines, blocks, PFDs, etc.), travel costs (flights, rental cars, and mileage if I’m using a personal vehicle), lodging for the regattas, boat charters, coaching, training/gym costs, entry fees,

On average, one major international regatta costs around $10,000 once entry fees, travel, and chartering are included just to get me to the starting line.

Example: The 2026 Trofeo S.A.R. Princesa Sofia Regatta in Palma de Mallorca, Spain - no on the water coach was used here:

• Regatta Registration - $419

• Flights - $1,342 (basic economy) + $250 (baggage fees)

• Lodging - $4,287 (AirBnB x 10 nights)

• Rental Car - $1,877 (Hertz SUV x 11 days)

• Boat Charter - $1,047

• Per Diem/Food & Drink - $500 ($50/race day)

• TOTAL Reimbursable Competition Expense - $9,863. (Does not include additional expenses for new wetsuit to handle the colder water temperatures (50 F°) or new spray jacket due to old one wearing out during the regatta)

If I actually want to be competitive at these international regattas, I also need to have coaching on the water with me. In order to have an on-the-water coach.

• Coaching would have cost an additional:

  • Flight: $1,342 (basic economy)

  • Lodging: Included in my lodging if at a rented house - or extra hotel room.

  • Coach Boat Charter: ~$2,000

  • Coach Boat Fuel: ~$100

  • Coach Fee: $2,500-$8,000 (depending on daily rate of coach. I’m working with two coaches currently one who is younger and has a lower rate and one who is a multi-time international champion and former 2x head coach for the US Women’s Singlehanded Championships whose fee is $800 per competition day.)

You can donate online through the Donate Now button on this page for secure payment through the Stripe payment processing system.

If you prefer to send a check, make it out to Skiff Sailing Foundation (with “Lauren Wilson” in the memo line) and then email shorecrew@secondwindracing.com to receive a mailing address. (We don’t post it publicly to provide a layer of protection for my children.)

Brands can partner with me through sponsorships that include visibility on my boat, gear, website, social media, and speaking engagements. Partnerships are tailored to align with each sponsor’s goals and values.

For more information, please click on the PARTNERSHIP page here.

This journey is about more than one athlete. It’s about resilience, showing kids that dreams are worth chasing, and proving it’s never too late to compete at the highest level. Every contribution is part of the story leading to the LA 2028 Olympic Games.