By Declan O’Malley

Sounder contributor

Sail Orcas and its aspiring sailors will receive financial assistance thanks to a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) Education Grant from US Sailing.

Based in West Sound, Sail Orcas provides sailing opportunities and education for adults and local youth. Its programs teach sailing skills, foster an appreciation for the ocean and integrate STEM subjects. Sail Orcas offers sailing lessons, summer camps and activities that help young sailors collaborate, build confidence and learn about environmental stewardship.

“Graduates have gone on to work in marine design, including WSF ferries, owners/operators of boat charters, boat captains, US Sailing coaches educators, waterfront marine industries including preservation and boat operator in Antarctica,” said Sail Orcas President Burke Thomas.

Keary Taylor is an islander whose son Liam participates in Sail Orcas summer programming. Taylor has appreciated the care and attention the instructors give to new sailors like her son, who just finished the 8th grade.

“ He’s kind of getting a unique experience because the age range for the beginning class he’s in is 8-18, but the other kids in the class are mostly around ten years old, so the instructors are more giving Liam one-on-one lessons during the class. So, he’s loving that part of it. He seems to be picking it up very quickly,” Taylor said.

The US Sailing REACH grants Initiative Youth Engagement Grants provide $3,500 to each grantee to support program materials, transportation, and other costs related to student involvement in the Reach Initiative, said Jan Zarkowsky, the Youth Programs & Outreach Manager at US Sailing.

Joining Sail Orcas as grantees are the Kauai Sailing Association in Lihue, Hawaii; Hudson River Community Sailing in New York, NY; Green Bay Sail & Paddle in Green Bay, Wisconsin; Seafarers Yacht Club in Annapolis, Maryland; Conanicut Island Sailing Foundation in Jamestown, Rhode Island; Seacamp in Big Pine Key, Florida; Youth Sailing Virginia in Hampton, Virginia; Treasure Island Sailing Center in San Francisco, California; and Cleveland Foundry in Cleveland, Ohio

Last year, the REACH grant funded over 85 hours of programming for approximately 2,500 students among its ten grantees. The grants integrate sailing, STEM and positive youth development through three main principles: self-confidence, STEM concepts, and critical thinking.

Zarkowsky added that grant recipients must be 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations and use US Sailing Small Boat “Level 1” or Basic Keelboat certified instructors for all on-water activities.

For Sail Orcas, STEM programs are integrated into its learn-to-sail curriculum to educate students on the mechanics of sailing and aspiring sailors’ role in their environment in the Salish Sea.

Using US Sailing’s curriculum, Sail Orcas offers a free 10-week sailing elective class to students at Orcas Island Middle School. In this elective, students learn water safety, sailing basics, marine science, the physics behind sailing, and sailboat maneuvers.

“One of my old coaches loved to say that ‘sailing is the original youth STEM class, this grant allows us to continue building on the ‘why’ behind what sailors learn in class. Going into more depth about why a sail works and why the tide is changing or why some boats are faster than others gives kids a body of knowledge they can build on,” said Julia Soes, Sail Orcas director.

The grant has several outcomes that Sail Orcas will achieve. In addition to using sailing to make learning enjoyable, the grant and programming strive to help students better understand STEM. The curricula also promote teamwork and ensure inclusivity in a supportive environment. Looking ahead, the program aims to inspire students to pursue careers in STEM, which are often in high demand.

“The US Sailing REACH Initiative Youth Engagement Grant presents a significant opportunity for Sail Orcas and its young sailors,” Zarkowsky said.

Sail Orcas can continue teaching STEM alongside sailing with this funding. Children learn about marine science and the mechanics of sailing. The program also fosters teamwork and support among participants, making learning fun and encouraging consideration of STEM careers.

“The grant will help island students learn more about the home they share through something they already love,” Soes said. “Many of the STEM concepts are tailored to understanding the natural world sailors share and helps to build a greater appreciation for the beauty and fragility of it.”