Impact Reaches Beyond the Dock

The AYC Foundation has awarded 55 Youth Scholarship and Competition Grants throughout the year and a few months remain! Many of the Maritime Organization Grants – for adaptive sailing, cancer respite, and outlets for our veterans, to name a few -- have enabled 2,000 individuals to get on the water. Here is feedback received from some of the scholarship and grant recipients.

Team Something Chill competed in the 2025 US Women’s Match Racing National Championship at the St. Francis Yacht Club in August.  They were the only non-local team to make it to the top four. Even sailing with a penalty gave the team “more opportunities to engage in classic match racing maneuvers,” reported Caroline Bayless who grew up in the AYC youth program and now competes in the AIRC series. “We truly appreciate the Foundation’s belief in our team and our potential. Your support means more than just funding; it’s an investment in our growth as sailors and as representatives of the Annapolis sailing community.

"I am incredibly grateful for your support which made it possible for me to race C420s this summer in New England with the Annapolis Yacht Club Junior Racing Team," wrote Rylee Landry. "Whether you donated funds or opened your homes during regattas, your generosity meant the world to me and made this unforgettable experience possible. Thank you for being part of my journey on the water."

Peter Shingledecker, thanked the Foundation for the funding that allowed him to travel to LA for the 2025 Optimist National Championship. "I had a great time sailing on the Pacific Ocean in Marina Del Rey and met my goal to qualify for the 2025 USODA Team Trials."

The Annapolis Maritime Museum wrapped up their summer Box of Rain program and kids are involved in the Bay Discovery Club before Build-a-Boat starts in the winter. "Box of Rain has become such an expansive program, and we are incredibly grateful to funders like AYCF who allow us to continue to provide our programs free of charge," wrote Ainsley Condon, Grants and Development Coordinator. "We served 92 kids, and employed 11 counselors to assist with the three Summer Maritime Program sessions we were able to offer." She shared more specifics about the myriad on-the-water program offerings, including kayaking, fishing, crabbing, and a trip on the historic skipjack, the Wilma Lee, to plant oyster spat. "We are so grateful for the Annapolis Yacht Club Foundation’s support, which gave local under-resourced children the chance to connect with the Chesapeake Bay in meaningful ways. Through time on the water and guidance from caring mentors, they discovered new skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging that will stay with them long after the program ended. Your generosity truly helps open the Bay to the next generation."

Earlier in October, 21 wounded, ill and injured veterans and active duty service members learned to sail with Warrior Sailing, a nationwide program that teaches wounded, injured and ill veterans how to sail. Their world class coaches use instructional methods and equipment adapted to meet the needs of those who have served to get them sailing safely and effectively as a team. Cory Kapes, Warrior Sailing Operations Director, shared that the Basic Training Camp (three days of intensive classroom and on-the-water instructions on the fundamentals of sailing and seamanship) received great feedback from the Warrior sailors. "I wanted to express our gratitude to everyone for sharing their time, talents and resources to make it happen. We'll see you next year!"

Sharon Lacy, Executive Director, Downtown Sailing Center, one of our Maritime Organization Grantees, shared growth she’s seeing from a different angle.  One of their lead instructors started nine years ago as a high school freshman and now mentors teen sailors in their first jobs. “This is a testament to what happens when young people are trusted, trained, and encouraged to lead. Sailing transforms us,” she continued. “Thank you for believing in what we do and in the power of our sport to shape not only the course of a boat, but the course of a life.”