Submitted by San Juan Island Sailing Foundation
The San Juan Island Sailing Foundation fundraiser is at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 4 at the San Juan Island Yacht Club.
Learning to sail builds confidence, determination and character — all skills which will carry over into adulthood. Most on the island have probably seen these boats on the water at one time or another, on Percich Pond in the summer or at Jackson’s Beach starting in February. Imagine the teens that brave the elements and suit up to get out on the water in the Pacific Northwest winter. This speaks to the character and determination they build in this program. The San Juan Island Sailing Foundation annual fundraising needs are about $15,000, as the foundation provides, stores and cares for all the boats and dollies and supplies a floating dock, safety boats and basic gear for team members.
The all-volunteer board works diligently to keep costs down by engaging the help of the sailors and their parents. It’s a team effort to keep this program afloat. The only paid position is a seasonal part-time coach, who helps teach sailing skills at all levels. The fundraiser also helps support scholarships for families in need. Each sailor is asked to pay $200 for the season, but the cost per sailor is closer to $1,200 a season. This could be cost prohibitive for most island families, so by pulling together, the foundation keeps youth sailing affordable for everyone. There is also the benefit of getting kids outside to enjoy the world around them.
