Our History
Over the past 13 years, our organization has grown from a grassroots summer camp operation to a robust, year-round program that supports youth sailors at all levels of the sport. Thanks to the support of our community, we have achieved several milestones over the years that demonstrate the passion of everyone involved towards providing kids with an enriching sailing experience. Please join us in observing and celebrating our past, so that we may be guided into an even better future!
2023 and Beyond - Securing Our Future
We are working with several organizations to secure a more permanent home in the Harbor and reach more of our community, so that we can continue to run our successful and enriching programming model sustainably.
2022 - A Period of Growth
Gig Harbor Junior Sailing has a record year in youth served and donations raised, with over 600 youth served and $117,000 raised in donations for the year! Plus, we hired our first full-time Assistant Sailing Director to support our rapid growth. Three c420's, three FJs and several trailers are purchased with donated funds.
2021 - A Period of Recovery
Over 400 youth are served by Gig Harobor Junior Sailing programs, fostering safe and engaging activity in our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our partnership with the Tacoma Yacht Club continues and strengthens. Three c420 sailboats and a new RIB safety boat are purchased with donated funds.
2020 - Setting Up for Success
Gig Harbor Junior Sailing hires its first full-time Sailing Director. Gig Harbor Junior Sailing and Tacoma Yacht Club combine their resources for the first summer of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sailing proves to be a great socially-distanced outdoor activity. Four Optimist sailboats are purchased with donated funds.
2019 - New Heights
The Narrows Race Team attends both the Singlehanded and Keelboat Nationals regattas in the ISSA, representing Gig Harbor High School. Team sailors also attend the Chubb U.S. Junior Sailing Championships.
Six Optimist youth racing sailboats are purchased via donated funds.
2018 - New Opportunities
The Narrows Race Team attends the ISSA Keelboat Nationals Regatta, representing Gig Harbor High School. A new RIB safety boat and trailer are purchased via donated funds.
2017 - Competitive Success
The Narrows Race Team makes their first appearance at the ISSA Doublehanded Nationals regatta, representing Charles Wright Academy. Two FJ's are purchased with donated funds.
2016 - An Historic Partnership
Gig Harbor Junior Sailing and the Tacoma Yacht Club partner to form the joint Narrows Race Team, complete with a paid coach. Program Director Joan Storkman receives the US Sailing Volunteer of the Year Award!
2015 - Expanded Equipment
Five Sail Cubes and one FJ are purchased for program use, funded entirely by donations.
2014 - Creating Life-Long Sailors
The Gig Harbor Junior Sailing Race Team was formed, with four sailors and volunteer coaches leading the charge!
2013 - Reaching Milestones
The program enrolls over 100 sailors at camp for the first time ever!
2010 - Organization Founded
Gig Harbor Junior Sailing started offering youth sailing programming with Open Bics, with 30 kids enrolled in Sail Camp. In that same year, they received the PIYA Garrett Horder Memorial Trophy.
2009 - Humble Beginnings
It began in 2009 when Yolanda Essig was GHYC Commodore and got Manfred Schmeidl, a brilliant businessman, to start GHYC Jr. Sail. The leadership committee decided that a 501(c)3 organization model would best fit their needs. With $14,000 of funds, one Boston Whaler coach boat and six O'pen Bic sailboats, the program was off to a strong start!
2010 - Organization Founded
GHYC Junior Sail started offering youth sailing programming with Open Bics, with 30 kids enrolled in Sail Camp. In that same year, they received the PIYA Garrett Horder Memorial Trophy.
2013 - Reaching Milestones
The program enrolls over 100 sailors at camp for the first time ever!
2014 - Creating Life-Long Sailors
The GHYC Junior Sail Race Team was formed, with four sailors and volunteer coaches leading the charge!
2015 - Expanded Equipment
Five Sail Cubes and one FJ are purchased for program use, funded entirely by donations.
2016 - An Historic Partnership
GHYC Junior Sail and the Tacoma Yacht Club partner to form the joint Narrows Race Team, complete with a paid coach. Program Director Joan Storkman receives the US Sailing Volunteer of the Year Award!
2017 - Competitive Success
The Narrows Race Team makes their first appearance at the ISSA Doublehanded Nationals regatta, representing Charles Wright Academy.
Two FJ's are purchased with donated funds.
2018 - New Opportunities
The Narrows Race Team attends the ISSA Keelboat Nationals Regatta, representing Gig Harbor High School. A new RIB safety boat and trailer are purchased via donated funds.
2019 - New Heights
The Narrows Race Team attends both the Singlehanded and Keelboat Nationals regattas in the ISSA, representing Gig Harbor High School. Team sailors also attend the Chubb U.S. Junior Sailing Championships.
Six Optimist youth racing sailboats are purchased via donated funds.
2020 - Setting Up for Success
GHYC Junior Sail hires its first full-time Sailing Director. GHYC Junior Sail and Tacoma Yacht Club combine their resources for the first summer of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sailing proves to be a great socially-distanced activity as our programs continue in limited capacity.
Four Optimist sailboats are purchased with donated funds.
2021 - A Period of Recovery
Over 400 youth are served by GHYC Junior Sail programs, fostering safe and engaging activity in our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our partnership with the Tacoma Yacht Club continues and strengthens.
Three c420 sailboats and a new RIB safety boat are purchased with donated funds.
2022 - A Period of Growth
GHYC Junior Sail has a record year in youth served and donations raised, with over 600 youth served and $117,000 raised in donations for the year! Plus, we hired our first full-time Assistant Sailing Director to support our rapid growth.
Three c420's and several trailers are purchased with donated funds.
2023 and Beyond - Securing Our Future
We are working with several organizations to secure a more permanent home in the Harbor and reach more of our community, so that we can continue to run our successful and enriching programming model sustainably.
2009 - Humble Beginnings
It began in 2009 when Yolanda Essig was GHYC Commodore and got Manfred Schmeidl, a brilliant businessman, to start Gig Harbor Jr. Sailing. The leadership committee decided that a 501(c)3 organization model would best fit their needs. With $14,000 of funds, one Boston Whaler coach boat and six O'pen Bic sailboats, the program was off to a strong start!
Want to help us achieve our dreams?
Donate using the link below, or visit our Get Involved page!