Team Acadia is supported by the SHYC Sailing Foundation. By making a donation, you are supporting the continuing campaign of Acadia and also programs of the Foundation.
make checks out to: SHYC Sailing Foundation - Team Acadia
c/o Clay Burkhalter
PO Box 81
Stonington, CT 06378
(ability to make a donation with PayPal is coming soon)
Founded by members of the Stonington Harbor Yacht Club, and recognized as a 501(c) 3 non-profit in 2004, the SHYC Sailing Foundation seeks to “inclusively provide to children and adults in southeastern Connecticut a sail education program that will preserve the region’s maritime heritage, and ensure that all participants learn about seamanship, sportsmanship, safety, and responsible fun on the water.” In 2008, it broadened the curriculum to add a marine biology program that was highly effective. This program explores the local ecosystems in Stonington Harbor with each week (8 week program) focusing on a different ocean theme. For example, one week may investigate tide pools, invertebrates and plankton, surfing or ocean predators. It is a hands on learning program (‘sailing and science’). Implicit with the Mission Statement is, whatever age or whatever an individual’s ability participating in on the water programs are currently, that there is an opportunity to participate in one of the programs that will be not only be gratifying but also connect you with other individuals of like interests. The best outcomes from these connections in the programs are life-long friendships.
An important component of this mission is “targeted outreach” to elements of the region’s population that has been identified as “underserved.” Of the student group in 2008, 55% were from the Town of Stonington, and 30% from abutting towns in Connecticut and Rhode Island; 50% were not from families connected in any way to the host yacht club.
There are three key elements in this mission that supports the strategic direction of the Foundation.
1. Diverse Community: The Foundation seeks to provide educational access to all members of the community and share a vitally important asset, the harbor and surrounding waters. As an independent, but strategically related party of the yacht club, it is unique in the region for having that dual focus. The drive to be inclusive is not about divisions between groups in the community.
2. Ability: The Foundation seeks to develop a broad range of programs. It seeks to provide opportunities for that individual that just wants to learn to sail for fun and social recreation to that individual who wants to compete at the world class level. In time it will be evaluated by the depth and breadth of the curriculum and the inclusiveness of the community at large. Many of which might not have had the opportunity to participate before the Foundation was created. The sponsorship of the Special Olympics Connecticut Sailing Program demonstrates that passion. Diversity of participants, even ethnicity is an important strategic objective.
3. Economic status: The Foundation seeks to provide financial aid to help those individuals that may not have the financial resources to participate in the sport. Funds have been made available to individuals who want to learn how to sail and those that compete at the world class level. In 2008, the Foundation sponsored two sailors participating in the Olympic trials and ultimately became world champions.
