Celebrating Silver, Now Going for Gold

"The AYC Foundation is an idea that has grown into something truly extraordinary, and the impact has been immense. The passion, dedication, and generosity of the Foundation's donors fuels dreams, builds confidence, and establishes a supportive community that believes in them." -- AYC Commodore Chris Bell

The AYC Foundation is commemorating its Silver Anniversary this year. Since 2000, the Foundation has awarded more than $1 million in grants and scholarships and helped thousands of individuals in the local community experience the Chesapeake Bay.  Behind the scenes it supports 13 charitable organizations that focus on getting people on the water.  Through programs like Warrior Sailing's Basic Training Camp, 126 wounded veterans have experienced the joy and healing effects of the water.

Veterans participating in Warrior Sailing's Basic Training Camp. Photo courtesy Will Keyworth Photography

Each quarter, the Foundation's volunteer board reviews numerous applications for scholarships and grants. Knowing that such funds can be life-changing, the passionate discussions are usually lively before agreement is reached on who and what organization is most worthy and the amount to be awarded.  While the challenge is great, the reward is greater. 

"On behalf of the Seafarers Foundation, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the AYCF and its Board for your generous support in awarding scholarships to our youth for the 2025 Adventure Boating program," wrote Alice Mahan, Board Member and Program Coordinator, Seafarers Foundation, Inc. "We are thrilled that five of our youth (all now safe swimmers) have been chosen for scholarships to attend sailing camp at AYC. These scholarships will make a tremendous difference in their lives by opening doors to exciting opportunities, fostering their growth, and supporting their aspirations."

The first step for Seafarers to get on the water is to get in the water and learn how to swim.

At the Foundation's biennial Fête & Auction fundraiser in March, guest speaker John Bertrand, an Olympic silver medalist from the 1984 Games, spoke about the value that sailing foundations bring to the sport. "Without the support of the St. Francis Sailing Foundation, I wouldn’t have made it to my first international regatta. Foundations [like AYCF] aren’t just about producing champions, they’re about opening doors, building character, and investing in young people who will carry these lessons into every part of their lives."  He underscored why the AYC Foundation is so important to AYC, the Annapolis community, and the broader Chesapeake Bay by citing and paraphrasing a Lakewood Yacht Club post.

Foundations like AYCF pay for: 

·      those moments when a sailor wants to give up, but doesn't;

·      the opportunity to make lasting friendships;

·      coaches to teach more than sailing, but life lessons;

·      the opportunity to learn resilience, teamwork, discipline, and respect;

·      chances to fail, to learn, and to dream big;

·      life skills to deal with disappointment;

·      the realization that success takes hard work and time;

·      an investment in the future.  

The Auction raised $101,000 which will fund the Foundation’s 2025 programmatic needs. Every dollar raised will go directly to need- and merit-based sailors and non-profit organizations, like Warrior Sailing and Seafarers Foundation, to deliver life-changing programs to members of our community. In parallel, the monies raised at the Auction further protect the financial health of the endowment that was established last year by the Velocity Campaign. Keeping the endowment unencumbered by operational funding requirements will enhance its continued growth.

Many distinguished members of the broader sailing community recognize the AYC Foundation as one of the top yacht club foundations in the country. "The AYC Foundation is one of several prominent American groups working to encourage and improve young sailors," offered Gary Jobson, world-renown sailor and AYC Rear Commodore. "All of us in Annapolis can be proud watching our sailors improve and thrive." 

The Foundation is inextricably linked to the Annapolis Yacht Club and its Platinum Club of the World designation. "The Club has served as a wonderful [venue] to host many dignitaries and stewards of the Naval Academy over the years," offered Chet Gladchuk, Director of Athletics, United States Naval Academy. "We would like to express our gratitude and appreciation [for AYCF] by contributing to the advancement of your most worthy cause. I would like to congratulate [the Foundation Board] and all those who have been instrumental in grants to charitable organizations that address underserved people on the water each year and provide scholarships for our youth to learn to sail and compete in various regattas.”

As the Foundation Board reflects on the silver anniversary of a simple, yet powerful idea born 25 years ago that every child, regardless of background, should have the opportunity to experience the freedom, confidence, and joy of being on the water, the Board members felt it was time to revisit its mission and ensure it’s on a solid course for the future.

In January, the AYC Foundation partnered with Guidehouse Consulting to develop a three-year strategic plan. To create a sound plan, the Board has engaged members of the AYC community to provide their invaluable input on the effectiveness of the Foundation's mission and programs and obtained best practices from other premier yacht club foundations. 

Much work is underway, including community listening sessions and an AYC strategic alignment workshop that began last month to capture feedback on drafts of the Foundation’s mission, vision, and goals.  This work will move AYCF in a direction to improve operations and board governance, enhance its partnerships, and cultivate a more extensive donor base.  Early anecdotal evidence is prompting the Board to revise its mission and vision for the future; one that makes the water accessible to all through sailing and other maritime activities. 

The energy is palpable. And the hard work is putting the Foundation on a lifted tack, one that could establish it as one of the top yacht club foundations in the world. Lofty goal? Yes. Achievable? 100%!

"Countless young sailors have not only discovered a new life sport but also found purpose, self-confidence, and perhaps an otherwise unavailable connection to the water,” imparted Commodore Bell. “In essence, we are touching lives, shaping futures, and ensuring a bright horizon ahead."

A sea change is underway.  Check out Who We Support for compelling stories about those individuals and organizations the AYCF supports and get involved!