Grant Supports St. Augustine Yacht Club Sailing Center STEM Programming for Young Sailors

St. Augustine, FL (July 13, 2021) -- The St. Augustine Yacht Club Foundation received a $3,500 grant from US Sailing’s STEM Education Initiative, REACH. The grant is designed to support STEM programming for young sailors on and off the water and provide a greater connection to the area’s natural resources within the year-round sailing programming at the St. Augustine Yacht Club Sailing Center. The REACH program will be offered to 6th, 7th and 8th graders as an afterschool program this fall.

The purpose of this grant is to grow the REACH National Network through effective programming. Together we are working to actively “normalize” STEM education including environmental literacy and responsibility utilizing our vast network of potential highly skilled workers and ocean stewards. Support from Rolex and US Sailing donors has made these grants possible. 

“We’re fortunate and grateful to add an emphasis on STEM for our young sailors here at SAYC,” said Marissa Burrier SAYC Sail Director. “This grant allows us to expand on our many on-water sailing program offerings, and will help kids understand the scope of our local Salt Run and ocean-side environment, and love the adventure associated with it.”

The SAYC Foundation’s mission to promote water activities in the St. Augustine community is fulfilled by the SAYC Sailing Center’s year-round, on-the-water programs for local youth. From learn-to-sail summer camps to sail race teams, the SAYC Sailing Center teaches children safety, confidence and competition. The St. Augustine Yacht Club proudly offers Youth Sailing programs to members and non-members alike. Since 2012, SAYC has offered on-water instruction through multifaceted programming designed to accommodate all levels of experience and build skills and confidence both on and off the water.

SAYC Sailing Center is equipped with many U.S. Sailing Certified Sailing Instructors. SAYC also offers development clinics during the summer, spring, and fall, as well as sailing education for adults. For information about our sailing programs, visit us on the web at saycsc.org

About St. Augustine Yacht Club Foundation: The purpose of the St. Augustine Yacht Club Foundation is to promote water activities in our community. These activities range from teaching sailing to youth and adults in our community, to conserving natural resources. They are both social and recreational in nature. https://www.staugustineyachtclub.com/foundation.html

About St. Augustine Yacht Club: Since 1873, the St Augustine Yacht Club has provided a place for members and their families to share and promote water-related activities. This has been done in a number of ways from community outreach programs like youth sailing lessons, to more social events like art auctions and family memorials.  For more information, please visit the website: https://www.staugustineyachtclub.com.

About the REACH Program: The Reach Program utilizes sailing as an educational platform, challenging youth to embrace education, establish a love of learning and explore productive Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) based careers. Complete program information and details can be found on US Sailing's website: https://www.ussailing.org/education/youth/reach/