The Sailing Foundation GiveBIG is Underway!

by The Sailing Foundation 8 May 2024 11:46 NZST 7-8 May 2024

Northwest Youth Racing Circuit is growing incredibly fast! The circuit is a series of 5-8 events June through September, thanks to our incredible partners in the Bellingham Yacht Club, Vancouver Lake Sailing Club, Columbia Gorge Racing Association, Port Madison Yacht Club, Sail Orcas, Corinthian Yacht Club of Seattle, Seattle Yacht Club, and Sail Sand Point. Under the leadership of The Sailing Foundation, the number of registrants has grown from 340 in 2014, to 839 last year!

The 2024 Safety at Sea seminar, coordinated by The Sailing Foundation, was a great success with 100 participants getting certified and ready for safely sailing offshore! Students practiced using life rafts, flares, and other safety equipment. Students also learned about repairing a sinking boat and giving emergency medical attention when offshore.

The Development Series is a great way to introduce new racers to the regatta scene. This series is at the heart of The Sailing Foundation's work is to build a strong pathway for youth sailors to progress through the levels of youth racing. A huge thank you to our partners, Meydenbauer Bay Yacht Club, Gig Harbor Yacht Club, Community Boating Port Angeles, Sail Sand Point, and Willamette Sailing Club. Seen above in Friday Harbor, Teras are used in the North Sound's spin off circuit of Middle School Racing.

GiveBIG Today!

Dear Supporters,

Join us next week for GiveBIG! This unique opportunity lets you double your giving power! We have secured commitments for $7500 in matching funds from the generosity of our board members. Now we need your help unlocking those matching gifts!

Since 1971, The Sailing Foundation has served the Northwest sailing community by focusing on youth development and boating safety. The generosity of people like you allows us to carry out that mission. This includes:

• Supporting area learn to sail programs through coach mentorship
• Running annual Safety at Sea courses
• Providing LifeSling training clinics
• Building pathways for youth sailors to compete at all levels in sailing, including the Northwest Youth Racing Circuit and The Development Series
• Scholarships for low income youth

We play a major role anchoring our region. Much of this happens behind the scenes as we work with partner organizations, US Sailing, and area yacht clubs to coordinate programs and events that have a direct positive impact on the entire Northwest sailing community.

If you have a sailor in your family, think about the immense and overwhelmingly positive impact that sailing has had on your life. The confidence that has been brought to your sailor, the friends, and the community it has brought you. If you would like to ensure that future generations have these opportunities, and that our sport remains vibrant here in the Northwest, please consider making a gift today.

Thank you!

Erin Timms
Vice President
The Sailing Foundation

Make Your Gift Today!

The GiveBIG campaign is designed to match your donation dollar for dollar for the first $7,500 we raise! Sailing Foundation board members have generously put up these matching funds, so let's make sure they're used!

Early giving is now under way. You may schedule your gift anytime before 11:59pm on Wednesday, May 8th. Simply select The Sailing Foundation from the list of charities at www.wagives.org/organization/sailingfoundation.

Thank you for supporting The Sailing Foundation!