Pleon 2020 - Register now at www.pleon.org

PLEON’S MISSION

Pleon Yacht Club is a unique organization that emphasizes confidence, independence and responsibility through junior sailing. Since the Club’s founding in 1887, Pleon has been exclusively a “kids club” that is unaffiliated with any other yacht clubs or sailing organizations. All of Pleon’s members are under the age of twenty-one and club activities are led by Pleon’s Commodore and Flag Officers - all club members elected by their peers.

Each year, Pleon Yacht Club organizes a Summer Sailing Program. The purpose of the Pleon Summer Sailing Program is to involve as many young people as possible in the sport of sailing in a fun, educational atmosphere that promotes independence and confidence, fosters teamwork and sportsmanship, and strengthens respect for oneself and others. The program supports both serious competitors and recreational sailors of all skill levels. The program is led by a full-time Program Director and a staff of experienced sailing instructors and coaches.

All club and program activities are run out of Pleon’s own clubhouse in Marblehead, located on Marblehead Harbor at 42 Foster Street.

PLEON YACHT CLUB AND THE 2020 SUMMER SAILING PROGRAM

The 2020 Pleon Sailing Program will begin Monday, June 22nd and end Wednesday, August 19th. Select classes have the option to participate in either the Full Season or a shorter session. In those cases, 1st Session runs June 22 to July 17 and 2nd Session runs July 27 to August 19.

Pleon’s Program Director, Kelly Leibowitz, runs the Summer Sailing Program with a staff of ~10 Instructors and Coaches and a number of Junior Instructors. To support the sailing program, Pleon owns a fleet of boats which are available for the club members to use including 33 Optimist Dinghies (Optis), 20 Club 420s, 6 Lasers, and 3 Sonars.

In addition to the Summer Sailing Program, Pleon offers members a variety of fun “club” activities that are organized by the Commodore and the Flag Officers. These include social events such as cookouts, movie nights, Great Day, the Sailor’s and Commodore’s Balls, and Awards Night. All members are encouraged to participate in club leadership. Elections for Flag Officers are held in August for the following summer.

Commodore Philip Jeffries will be on hand each day during the summer to lead club activities and answer any questions regarding club and social activities. Phil has sailed at Pleon for 10 years, competitively racing Optis and 420s. He has been a Junior Instructor for the last two years. His favorite part of Pleon is spending time helping young sailors learn the sport while creating a love of the water.

Pleon 2020 - Register now at www.pleon.org

LEARN TO SAIL CLASSES

Pleon offers several learn to sail classes which are taught in Optimist Dinghies - commonly known as “Optis.” Optis are small, single-handed dinghies sailed worldwide and are currently the largest youth racing class. Pleon maintains a strong emphasis on fun, sailing-related games throughout these classes while teaching sailors rigging, boat handling, points of sail, safety, and seamanship, while enjoying time on the water with friends. Sailors typically start in the Intro to Pleon or Opti 1 class and progress into the more advanced classes each summer. ​ ​ ​ ​ Once sailors reach Opti 3 they are introduced to basic racing concepts while learning more advanced sailing skills ​ ​ and enjoying a fun Pleon club experience.

We have fun theme days for our younger sailors each “Terrific Tuesday” where we encourage kids to dress up and award best costumes with freeze pops during morning meetings. Themes days include; Pirate Day, Hawaiin Day, Rockstar Day and more. There will be movie nights for kids multiple times per summer which will be announced at the start of the season as a social activity outside of class at no additional cost.

Intro to Pleon - Typical Age Range: 8 - 9 year olds ​ ​ ​ ​ The Intro to Pleon class is a two week class for sailors who have little or no ​ ​ prior single-handed sailing experience. It is open to sailors 8 years or older who have completed 2nd grade and is intended to make them feel comfortable in Pleon’s environment and build confidence on the water. Fun will be a main focus and topics will include boat rigging, water safety and basic sailing.

Sailors will sail in an Opti solo or paired up with another sailor. Instructors explain concepts and skills using “chalk-talks” on land, through concept-related games, and in daily morning meetings. Instructors reinforce classroom concepts using on water demonstrations, individual coaching, and on the water sailing drills.

Opti 1 - Typical Age Range: 9 - 10 year olds ​ ​ ​ ​

This class is for sailors who have little or no prior single-handed boating experience, including those who have taken the Intro to Pleon class last season. The Opti 1 class is taught in the single-handed Opti, with occasional days sailing Sonars. Pleon maintains a strong emphasis on fun sailing and sailing-related games throughout the Opti 1 class. By the end of the program, sailors are expected to demonstrate knowledge of the parts of the boat, sail and rig, sailing nomenclature, and the fundamentals of rigging, boat handling, points of sail, water safety and seamanship.

Instructors explain concepts and skills using “chalk-talks” on land, through fun games like knot tying competitions and during daily morning meetings. Instructors reinforce classroom concepts using on water demonstrations, individual coaching, on the water sailing drills like sailing around a course, and fun games like capture the flag in the harbor. As students progress they learn to be more confident, responsible and independent in rigging and sailing their boat.

Pleon 2020 - Register now at www.pleon.org

Opti 2 - Typical Age Range: 9 - 11 year olds ​ ​ ​ ​ This class is for sailors who have successfully completed the Opti 1 class or equivalent. The curriculum is an extension of the Opti 1 class with an emphasis on independence in rigging, boat handling and boat care. This is primarily a non-racing class. For those sailors recommended to take part in Marblehead Junior Race Week, the basics of racing will be covered. Classes will be taught in Optis, with occasional sailing in Sonars. Sailors who choose to only sail in Session 1 will likely be recommended to repeat Opti 2 the following summer.

Instructors explain concepts and skills using “chalk-talks,” fun sailing-related games, and during daily morning meetings. Instructors reinforce classroom concepts using on water demonstrations, individual coaching, on the water sailing drills like sailing around a course, and fun games like capture the flag in the harbor. Coaches teach sportsmanship and teamwork on and off the water.

OPTI RACING CLASSES

Optimist racing classes are for older sailors who have completed Opti 2 and want to focus on more advanced boat handling and racing techniques. These classes have a focus on racing while maintaining a fun sailing experience. Instructors explain concepts and skills on land and during daily morning meetings and reinforce classroom concepts on the water with demonstrations, individual coaching, and through racing drills. Games are also played on the water to build boat handling skills. Sailors will race in Pleon’s weekly Wednesday Series race day, while also traveling together to attend local, regional and national regattas as they progress.

Opti 3 - Typical Age Range: 10 - 12 year olds ​ ​ ​ ​ Pleon’s Opti 3 class is for sailors who have successfully completed the Opti 2 class or equivalent. Opti 3 will be the first introduction to racing for most sailors. Sailors will continue to improve their sailing skills through more advanced boat handling techniques and simple tactical planning and decision making while they learn basic racing skills through drills and practice racing.

Skills Taught: Proper sail trim and body positioning ​ to maintain control at all points of sail (upwind, downwind, reaching); Tack and gybe from/to any point of sail in control; Sailing in crowded situations; Sailing around a triangular course; Understanding basic race courses, starting sequence, and basic racing nomenclature.

Typical Regattas: There are several regattas throughout Mass Bay to expose sailors to low pressure ”Green Fleet” ​ regattas that cater to first-year racers, such as: Manchester Green Fleet Regatta, Squam Day, and Marblehead Junior Race Week.

Pleon 2020 - Register now at www.pleon.org

Opti Development - Typical Age Range: 11 - 13 year olds ​ ​

Pleon’s Opti Development class is for sailors who have completed Opti 3 and are motivated to continue sailing in a more race-focused environment. The sailors in this class are introduced to more advanced rigging and boat handling techniques. The class will have a heavier racing focus and sailors are encouraged to compete in local and regional regattas in their age-appropriate fleet (White, Blue and Red Fleets are age-based subsets of “Championship” racing). Sailors in this class are encouraged to own their own boat.

Skills Taught: Introduction to racing in the ​ Championship Fleet; Understand weight placement and sailing in different wind and wave conditions; Describe how to determine favored end of the start line; Understand concepts of clean air and wind shadow; Basic racing tactics.

Typical Regattas: Sailors in Opti Development compete in local and regional Championship Fleet regattas, such as: ​ New Bedford Junior Regatta, Hingham Bay Junior Regatta, Marblehead Junior Race Week, Squam Day, Duxbury Junior Regatta, Scituate Junior Regatta.

Opti Race Team - Typical Age Range: 11 - 14 year olds ​ ​ leon’s Opti Development class is for sailors who have completed Opti 3 and are motivated to continue sailing in a more race-focused environment. The sailors in this class are introduced to more advanced rigging and boat handling techniques. The class will have a heavier racing focus and sailors are encouraged to compete in local and regional regattas in their age-appropriate fleet (White, Blue and Red Fleets are age-based subsets of “Championship” racing). Sailors in this class are encouraged to own their own boat.

Skills Taught: I ntroduction to racing in the Championship ​ ​ Fleet; Understand weight placement and sailing in different wind and wave conditions;

Describe how to determine favored end of the start line; Understand concepts of clean air and wind shadow; Basic racing tactics.

Typical Regattas: Sailors in Opti Development compete in local and regional Championship Fleet regattas, such as: ​​ New Bedford Junior Regatta, Hingham Bay Junior Regatta, Marblehead Junior Race Week, Squam Day, Duxbury Junior Regatta, Scituate Junior Regatta.

Pleon 2020 - Register now at www.pleon.org

420 CLASSES

These classes are for sailors 13 years and older who have a solid understanding of sailing and want to improve their racing or sailing skills in the Club 420. The Club 420 is a double-handed dinghy that is competitively raced and is the foundation of many high school and college sailing programs. Sailors in 420-2, 420-D, and 420-Race Team will race in Pleon’s weekly Wednesday Series race day, while also traveling together to attend local, regional and national regattas as they progress.

420-1 - Typical Age Range: 13 - 15 year olds ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Pleon’s 420-1 class is meant for sailors who are new to the 420 sailboat. The 420-1 class is typically comprised of sailors who have prior sailing experience, either in Optis or Keelboats, but who are looking for an introduction to a high-performance double-handed boat. The focus of this class is to familiarize sailors with the 420 and to understand the basics of a double-handed boat, including an introduction to trapezing, spinnakers and understanding sail trim and weight-placement. The 420-1 class continues to emphasize sailing in a fun, low-intensity environment with minimal focus on racing.

Skills Taught: Understanding rigging and parts of a 420; ​ Understanding a high-performance boat; Understanding how to start and stop a 420; Tacking and gybing.

420-2 - Typical Age Range: 14 - 17 year olds ​ ​ ​ ​

Pleon’s 420-2 class is meant for sailors who have a desire to spend time both racing and improving their overall sailing ability. It is geared toward sailors who have prior experience sailing in 420s. In this class sailors will be introduced to more advanced boat handling maneuvers, race-specific rigging concepts, strategy and tactics, as well as overall sailing skills. While racing will be an important component of the curriculum, there is not an expectation that sailors compete in national/regional events. Furthermore, sailors will spend some classes exploring non-racing aspects of sailing.

Skills Taught: Communication with sailing partner; Moderate and advanced 420 boat-handling and sail trim; ​ Introduction to racing concepts and racing rules; Broader sailing skills.

Typical Regattas: Sailors in 420-2 may compete in local Mass Bay regattas, such as: Manchester Green (420), ​ Hingham Bay Junior Regatta, Marblehead Junior Race Week, Squam Day.

Pleon 2020 - Register now at www.pleon.org

420 Development - Typical Age Range: 14 - 17 year olds ​ ​ ​ ​

Pleon’s 420 Development Team (420-D) is meant for sailors who have raced - typically in Optis – at a high level for a number of years and are motivated to continue sailing in a very race-focused environment, but have limited experience sailing 420s. The class will have a heavy racing focus and sailors will be expected to compete in the appropriate local and regional regattas. The class will cover rigging and basic boat handling in an accelerated manner so that sailors can focus on more advanced concepts such as spinnaker and trapeze work, racing tactics, and 420 sail trim and tuning. Sailors in this class are encouraged to own their own boat.

Skills Taught: 420 Rigging & tuning; Skippering & crewing the 420; Basic and advanced boat handling and sail trim; ​ Advanced racing concepts and racing rules.

Typical Regattas: Sailors in 420-D compete in local Mass Bay regattas, such as: Manchester Green (420), Hingham ​ Bay Junior Regatta, Marblehead Junior Race Week, Squam Day, New Bedford Junior Regatta.

420 Race Team - Typical Age Range: 14 - 18 year olds ​ ​

Pleon’s 420 Race Team is meant for sailors who have a desire to race on the regional and national level. Sailors on the team typically travel to regattas throughout New England during the summer and push each other to compete on a high level. There is a strong emphasis on independence as sailors are expected to prepare for regattas largely on their own. The class schedule includes one full-day per week (THURSDAY). Off-site practice sessions may be scheduled to expose sailors to a broad range of sailing conditions (high wind, waves, current, etc). Sailors in this class are encouraged to own their own boat.

Skills Taught: Advanced starting techniques and ​ racing tactics; Understanding starting and stopping a boat; Covering and wind-shadows; Advanced understanding of racing rules; Team racing

Typical Regattas: Sailors compete in several regional and national regattas throughout summer, such as: Hingham ​ Bay Junior Regatta, New Bedford Junior Regatta, C420 Nationals, C420 North American’s, Bemis Qualifier, CJ Buckley Team Race, Marblehead Junior Race Week, Buzzards Bay Regatta.

Pleon 2020 - Register now at www.pleon.org

LASER CLASSES

These classes are for sailors 12 or older who have successfully completed Opti 3, have a solid understanding of sailing and want to learn to race or improve their racing skills in the Laser 4.7, Radial or Full Rig. Smaller sailors (under approximately 115 pounds) should plan to start in the 4.7 rig. The Laser is a single-handed dinghy that is raced competitively worldwide. The Laser is a great boat for someone who has outgrown an Opti but still wants to pursue single-handed sailing.

Laser 1 - Typical Age Range: 12 - 14 year olds ​ ​ Pleon’s Laser 1 class is for sailors who are new to sailing a Laser and would like to understand the fundamentals of sailing a high-performance single-handed boat. The class is comprised of sailors who have prior sailing experience, either in Optimists or in Keelboats. The sailors in the class will work on rigging, weight-placement and boat-handling. In addition, the Laser 1 class will begin to understand a race course and the fundamentals of racing, including starting, mark roundings, sailing upwind/downwind and tacking and gybing techniques.

Skills Taught: Rigging a laser; Developing comfort in a ​ single-handed high-performance boat; Understanding sail-trim and basic maneuvering in a laser.

Laser 2 - Typical Age Range: 14 - 17 year olds ​ ​ Pleon’s Laser 2 class is for sailors who have experience sailing in a Laser and would like to learn how to race the boat. There is an emphasis on racing techniques and strategies as well as general sailing knowledge and mastery of sailing in a wide range of conditions. Sailors in the class often race in local and regional regattas.

Skills Taught: Introduction to racing tactics and ​ starting techniques; Develop comfort accelerating/decelerating a Laser; Introduction to speed-tuning with partners

Pleon 2020 - Register now at www.pleon.org

KEELBOAT CLASSES

Keelboat classes are for sailors who have completed the Opti 3 class or equivalent. Sailors ages 11 and up who are new to sailing may also be accommodated in this class. These classes will emphasize a non-competitive approach to sailing and seamanship. Instruction is primarily in Sonars, with occasional recreational dinghy sailing. Sonars are 23-foot keel boats that accommodate three to five sailors. They provide a good stable platform for learning sailing skills, beginning spinnaker work, and functioning as a team on a larger boat. These are foundational skills that will transition to more demanding keelboat activities and/or the higher performance dinghy world of 420s and Lasers.

Keelboat 1 - Typical Age Range: 11 - 13 year olds ​ ​ ​ ​ Keelboat 1 is intended for sailors who wish to improve their fundamental sailing skills – boat handling, sail trim, skippering – while also getting some exposure to the basics of navigation and cruising. After completing Keelboat 1, sailors will either continue to Keelboat 2 or move into a dinghy program in (420/Laser). Keelboat 1 sailors will spend most of their time in the Pleon owned Sonars practicing fundamental sailing skills that will make them successful on any boat – skippering, sail trim, spinnaker sets and take towns, and boat handling in all wind conditions. Sailing a keelboat is social and creates a strong sense of teamwork among the class. Activities include long distance sails around the local islands or to a destination for ice cream. Sailing a keelboat is social and creates a strong sense of teamwork among the class.

Keelboat 2- Typical Age Range: 13 - 15 year olds ​ ​ ​ ​ Keelboat 2 is intended for experienced sailors who are interested in pushing their sailing beyond the boundaries of small one design boats and are excited to learn about the ocean environment and the marine industry. Sailors will spend time in the Sonars practicing fundamental sailing skills that will make them successful on any boat – skippering, sail trim, spinnaker sets and takedowns, and advanced boat handling in all wind conditions. Students will also learn the foundations of navigation and other key cruising skills. Guest instructors from institutions such as SEA (boat captains and scientists) and local boat builders and sail makers also join the class from time to time. Sailing a keelboat is social and creates a strong sense of teamwork among the class. Activities include long distance sails around the local islands or to a destination for ice cream.

Pleon 2020 - Register now at www.pleon.org

REGISTRATION

Registration is ONLINE ONLY, through our website: www.pleon.org. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Class sizes are limited, and in recent years most of our classes have been fully booked. We STRONGLY recommend ​ that you register early. When registering online, you will need a credit card, your child’s health insurance information, and emergency contact information.

Early registration will run from January 13th through March 1st, 2020. Class spots will be filled on a-first come, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ first-served basis with priority given to returning sailors who were enrolled in the 2019 program, followed by ​ siblings of returning 2019 Pleon sailors. If you are applying for financial aid you must submit your application by ​ ​ ​ March 1st. Cancellations or requests to change to a different class will be accepted during early registration. An ​ ​​ early bird discount of $50 (single session) or $100 (full season) will apply for all sailors registering by March 1st, ​ ​ ​ provided full payment is received at the time of registration.

Late registration will start on March 2nd. Applications, as well as requests to move to another class, received on ​ or after March 2nd will be considered in the order received, based on eligibility, space available and instructor recommendations. Please note that there are no refunds for withdrawal from the program or for moving to less expensive class after March 1st. ​ In some cases, the requested class may be full, and you will be prompted to place your child on the waitlist. This wait list was created to facilitate registration, should a place become available.

Confirmation information will be provided by the end of May, generally via email. In some cases we may ​ recommend moving your child to a different class, in which case we will contact you as soon as possible. Final class placement is subject to review based on the best interests of individuals and the class as a whole. An incremental payment or refund may apply in this situation.

Financial Aid: A limited amount of financial aid is available for program fees only. Aid will be limited to families ​ who can demonstrate financial need. Please send an email or written request and explanation of need to Matthew Hooks ([email protected]), Pleon Junior Sailing Program, PO Box 160, Marblehead, MA 01945. The deadline for requests is March 1, 2020.

Refunds and Discounts: Fees will not be pro-rated or refunded for partial attendance, for cancellations after ​ March 1st, or for changes requested after March 1st to a less expensive class, including switching from full season to a single session. Pleon does not offer a discount for families with multiple children in the program, and cannot accommodate requests for refunds.

If you have questions about the program or your child’s class placement, please email Program Director Kelly Leibowitz at [email protected]. ​ ​

Pleon 2020 - Register now at www.pleon.org

IMPORTANT DATES

The Pleon season will begin Monday, June 22 and end Wednesday, August 19. Classes will not be held on July 3rd, 2020 in observance of Independence Day or July 20-23rd due to Marblehead Junior Race Week and the NOOD Regatta.

A mandatory parent information meeting will be held at the start of the season, Thursday June 18th at Pleon. A ​​ ​ summer calendar, regatta schedules and program events will be available at that time, and you will have a chance to meet your child’s instructors, the Program Director, and officers of the club.

SAFETY

Swim Test: On the first day of class, all sailors will be required to take a swim test in the harbor. All participants in ​ the program will swim in a swimsuit for 50 yards and tread water for one minute. Remember to bring a towel and warm clothes to the first class.

Life Jackets: Safety is of primary importance. Every child is required to own and wear a Coast Guard-approved life ​ vest at all times when on the dock and water. This rule also applies to free sailing at Pleon and to participants at away events.

Conduct and Discipline: Proper conduct is simple common sense. There should be no rough play on the dock or ​ on Pleon grounds. Jumping off piers is STRICTLY forbidden. Respect for fellow members and boats is essential. When juniors are sailing at away events, they are representing Pleon, and poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated. Sailors and their families will be held accountable for lost or damaged equipment if it is deemed by staff to be reasonably preventable given the sailor’s ability level. If discipline is necessary, the Program Director reserves the right to require a student to leave the program for a certain period of time. The student’s parents will be notified immediately. Please refer to the Parent Agreement.

INSTRUCTORS

Instructure Staff: Our high caliber staff is chosen from all over the globe. They have impressive resumes from the ​ collegiate ranks and beyond. Each instructor is US Sailing certified (or equivalent) and trained in CPR.

Instructure Housing: Would you or someone you know be willing to house an instructor for the summer? A ​ stipend is provided. If interested, please contact Matthew Hooks ([email protected]). ​ ​ COMMUNICATION

During the program, weekly updates will be distributed via email. Please make sure we have your email address on file in order to stay informed about upcoming events. Pleon also maintains a website: www.pleon.org. Please ​​ ​ visit the site for information throughout the summer, and to sign up to receive email updates and access the online directory.

Pleon 2020 - Register now at www.pleon.org

PRIVATE BOATS

Sailors in any class can use private boats and private boat ownership is strongly encouraged for those who will be sailing competitively on a Development of Race Team. A discount is available to those bringing their own boat and on-site storage is available.

Registration in certain classes may be limited by the number of club boats available for use. Priority will be given to those registering by March 1st for the full season, and thereafter in the order the application is received. Once all club boats have been assigned, space in the class may be available only for those who have their own boat.

Arrangements can be made to use a club boat for a regatta, subject to availability. A check-out fee will be charged. Contact the Program Director to make arrangements.

REGATTA PARTICIPATION

Parental support is essential for all sailors participating in regattas. Responsibilities include registering for regattas, chaperoning at away events, providing transport for children, dinghies and coach boats, loading and unloading boats, supplying snacks and drinks, and providing accommodation for coaches while traveling. There will be a mandatory Parent Meeting for each Race Team, on June 18th, at which time the regatta schedule and parental coverage will be discussed. If you have questions, please contact the Program Director. Please consult our website for more information on what to expect at regattas, events we expect to attend, and expectations for parent participation. Race team parent coordinators will contact you at the beginning of the season.

EXTRACURRICULAR OFFERINGS

This year Pleon will continue to expand its enriching extracurricular opportunities that broaden sailors experience outside of weekly classes. These may include activities such as visiting a sail loft, meeting Olympic sailors, learning to windsurf, going “big boat” sailing, learning about navigation, or participating in advanced clinics. These would be one day events. More information and registration details will be sent out by the Program Director as the activities are finalized.

Pleon 2020 - Register now at www.pleon.org

2020 PROGRAM SCHEDULE AND FEES

** $50 membership fee now included in the price of the class**

Class Name Schedule Full Season Session 1 Session 2 Intro to Pleon Intro to Pleon Session 1 Session 2 June 22 -August June 22 - July 17 July 27 - August June 22 - July 3 August 3- August 14 16 19

Intro to Pleon M, T, Th, F; $500 $500 1-4pm

Opti 1 M, T, Th, F; 9am-12pm $1,675 $1,150 $1,000

Opti 2 M, T, W, Th; 9am-12pm $1,675 $1,150 $1,000

Opti 3 M, T, W, F; $1,800 1pm-4:30pm

Opti Development T, W, Th, F; $1,950 1pm-4:30pm

Opti Race Team M; 9am-5pm $2,250 T, W, Th; 1-5pm

Laser 1 T, W, TH, F; $1,800 $1,250 9am-12pm

Laser 2 M, T, W, Th; $1,950 1pm-4:30pm

420 1 M, W, Th, F; $1,800 $1,250 9am-12pm

420 2 M, T, W, F; $1,950 1pm-4:30pm

420 Development M, T, Th; 1pm-4:30pm $2,200 W; 9am-4:30pm

420 Race Team T, W, F; 1pm-5pm $2,450 Th; 9am-5pm

Keelboat 1 M, W, F; $1,350 $925 $800 9am-12pm

Keelboat 2 M, W, F; $1,350 $925 $800 1pm-4:30pm

Early Bird Discount for ($100) ($50) ($50) Registration by 3/2

Opti/Laser Boat ($150) ($75) ($75) Ownership Discount

420 Boat ownership ($200/sailor) ($100/sailor) ($100/sailor) Discount

Pleon 2020 - Register now at www.pleon.org