Programs & Initiatives

Programs & Initiatives

Education. Exploration. Empowerment. On and off the water.

The Shoalwater Bay Sailing Foundation brings maritime access and education to our local youth and families through hands-on programs rooted in skill-building, environmental awareness, and pure joy. These aren’t just programs—they’re pathways to confidence, community, and lifelong curiosity.

⛵ Free Community Sailing Lessons

Every summer, we open the bay to kids and teens with completely free sailing lessons—no experience or gear required. Certified instructors and experienced volunteers teach water safety, boat handling, and teamwork in a supportive, inclusive setting.

  • All Ages 

  • No cost to participate

  • All gear and life jackets provided

  • Weekly sessions during summer months

⛵ Our Growing Community Fleet

The Shoalwater Bay Sailing Foundation is proud to maintain a diverse fleet of sailboats that support all of our youth programs, community sailing days, and on-the-water instruction. Each vessel brings its own personality—and purpose—to the program, giving students a chance to try different styles of sailing, from fast and nimble dinghies to keelboat cruising and high-performance sportboats.

Our current fleet includes:

  • Evelyn 32-2 – A sleek, performance keelboat used for advanced instruction, group sailing, and bay races

  • Viper 640 – A modern sportboat for intermediate sailors ready to test their skills

  • Hobie 16 & Prindle 16 (2) – Twin-hulled speedsters that teach balance, teamwork, and fast fun on the bay

  • Lasers (2) – Iconic solo dinghies perfect for building confidence and learning to race

  • Coronado 15 – A forgiving, versatile two-person dinghy ideal for youth classes and family sailing

Thanks to the generosity of our community and the momentum behind our mission, more boats are on the way. Every donation helps us expand our fleet and provide safe, reliable, and exciting vessels for our growing programs.

Want to donate a boat or sponsor a sail? We’d love to hear from you.
[Get in Touch]

🛠 High School Boat Building & Marine Shop Class

In partnership with Ilwaco High School, our winter program teaches students how to build, restore, and maintain boats—combining hands-on learning with real-world career pathways in the marine trades.

  • Part of the high school shop curriculum

  • Students restore prams and small sailboats

  • Skills: woodworking, fiberglassing, rigging, paint & finish

  • Boats used in youth programs or auctioned to support scholarships

  • This year the students will build 5 sabots as part of the burgeoning sailboat fleet

🧭 Intro to Navigation & Seamanship Workshops

Beyond the tiller, we teach students how to read charts, understand tides, track the weather, and navigate safely. These on-shore sessions are a favorite among aspiring sailors and future captains alike.

  • Offered throughout the year

  • Open to youth and adult learners

  • Builds critical thinking and environmental awareness

🏆 Youth Regattas & Fun Races

This summer we plan to host seasonal fun regattas where kids can put their skills to the test, make new friends, and feel the thrill of competition—without the pressure. Races are designed to build confidence and community.

  • Free to enter

  • Open to all youth sailors

  • Prizes, BBQs, and family-friendly fun

🤝 Adaptive Sailing & Inclusion-Focused Programs

We’re committed to ensuring every person can sail—regardless of physical ability or economic background. In the very near future we hope to add tailored programs for kids with disabilities, and work closely with local schools and support networks to extend our reach.

  • Modified equipment and trained volunteers

  • Small student-teacher ratios

  • Custom instruction to meet individual needs

🌿 Stewards of the Bay: Environmental Education

At the heart of our mission is a deep respect for the place we call home—Willapa Bay. Our Stewards of the Bay program connects students with the fragile beauty and complex ecology of one of the most biodiverse estuaries in the country. By blending science, storytelling, and hands-on experience, we turn every young sailor into an environmental steward.

Through this initiative, students learn about:

  • Tides and currents unique to our bay

  • The vital role of eelgrass and estuarine ecosystems

  • Sustainable shellfish harvesting and aquaculture

  • The environmental threats facing coastal communities

🦪 In Partnership with Willapa Wild

A cornerstone of this program is our ongoing partnership with Willapa Wild, one of the most environmentally focused oyster farms in the U.S. Together, we’ve created immersive education experiences that bring our sailors (and their families) right to the shoreline.

As part of the curriculum, students and Foundation members are invited to tour the Willapa Wild farm, explore restoration projects—like the nation’s largest privately funded eelgrass rehabilitation effort—and get a firsthand look at sustainable oyster farming in action.

  • Guided walking tours of the farm and shellfish beds

  • Hands-on learning about carbon sequestration and regenerative aquaculture

  • Discussions with marine biologists and farmers

  • Tide pool and shoreline discovery activities

These visits are more than field trips—they’re a chance to show how small actions and smart decisions can help preserve this incredible bay for the next generation.

[Learn More] [Book a Tour]

Each initiative is designed to open doors, foster local pride, and keep the magic of the bay alive for generations to come.

[Support a Program] or [Volunteer With Us]

Monthly & Annual Memberships Available