Sail Orcas 2024 Appeal

Dear Friend of Sail Orcas,

As we near the end of 2024, it’s time to reflect and celebrate all that we’ve accomplished together—and to ask for your support in making 2025 even better. 2024 has been an incredible year for Sail Orcas, thanks to your generosity. Your support brings the joy of sailing to Orcas Island.

Reflecting on 2024

Sail Orcas is a volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to getting people of all ages out on the water. Our mission is to teach the skills of this lifetime sport while fostering teamwork, sportsmanship, camaraderie, and marine stewardship. Highlights from 2024 include:

  • More than 200 people participated in our learn-to-sail and community programs.
  • 4 sailors competed at PCISA Girls Nationals Invitational, placing 13th.
  • Ranked 8th among area high schools in the Northwest Interscholastic Sailing Association.
  • Certified 9 new US Sailing Level One instructors.
  • 2 Orcas Island High School students became instructors for our programs.

Sailor Spotlight

Leo, 9th grade, Orcas Island High School: “I joined Sail Orcas in 7th grade. I love sailing because it’s great to be on the water, I learn a lot, and sailing opens up opportunities for the future. My favorite moment this year was the Seattle Keelboat Clinic.”

Looking Ahead to 2025

As our sailing team grows, so do our needs. Your contributions will help us achieve:

  • Support for school sailing team regattas, including ferry reservations and lodging.
  • Upgrading our coach boat for improved safety (cost: $30,000).
  • New racing sails for our teams across various dinghy classes.

How You Can Help

Make a donation today at the Orcas Island Community Foundation's Sail Orcas online fund or send a check to Sail Orcas, PO Box 1226, Eastsound WA 98245. Every contribution makes a difference!

Thank you for your continued support—we look forward to sailing with you in 2025!

West Sound

West Sound, is the smaller sister of the two "Sounds" on Orcas Island. The other being naturally, East Sound. West Sound is the home of the Orcas Island Yacht Club which provides dock space and shelter facilities for the Junior Sailing Program and the Orcas High School Racing Team. The Sound also has the West Sound Marina which is the location of our Cal 20 sail boats.

West Sound, with its protected waters, gentle breezes and ample size — 1 mile by 3 miles — is the ideal venue for club racing, sailing instruction, and afternoon day sailing. Members who borrow the Cal 20s for the day are asked not to leave West Sound hence the dotted line at the south end. South of that line there is more frequent power boat traffic, including WS Ferries on their way to and from Friday Harbor.


Image of West Sound, San Juan County, Washington