West Marine awards grant money to local boating organizations

WATSONVILLE, California — Two Southern California boating organizations were among the nonprofits awards $1,500 grants by West Marine to promote youth activities on the water, it was announced June 15.

King Harbor Youth Foundation (KHYF) in Redondo Beach and Orange County’s Newport Sea Base were awarded grants as part of West Marine’s 2017 BlueFuture awards.

West Marine, in all, awarded grant funding to 25 organizations across the country, each receiving $1,500. The grants are without restrictions, meaning each nonprofit group could use the funds as it sees fit.

KHYF offers several youth sailing programs, including a summer camp to introduce younger boaters to kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing. The foundation also offers sailing lessons, and a summer race clinic for youth.

Newport Sea Base, which recently merged with SoCal Scullers, meanwhile, actively promotes sailing activities to adolescent and pre-teen youth. Offerings include: courses in aquatics, boating and sailing; group and family outings; and, merit badges in emergency preparedness, environmental science, fish and wildlife, oceanography and others.

Also receiving grant funding were The 5 Gyres Institute and WILDCOAST, environmental organizations based in Los Angeles and San Diego, respectively.

The 5 Gyres Institute, for example, helps battle plastic pollution in our oceans, while WILDCOAST operates conservation initiatives and programs.

Grants are often used to expand program offerings, fund scholarships, maintain staff and purchase equipment, according to a statement issued by West Marine.

Parimal M. Rohit photo