A Great Year For Learning To Sail
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As we near the end of the year, it’s time to reflect and celebrate all that we’ve accomplished
together. 2024 has been an incredible year for Sail Orcas thanks
to your trust, generosity, and support. With your help we look forward to continuing to bring the joy of sailing to Orcas Island.
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Reflecting on 2024
As you know, Sail Orcas is a volunteer-run nonprofit that’s all about getting people (of all ages) out on the
water. Whether it's through introducing youth to sailing, helping adults discover a new hobby, or teaching our
school sailing team how to race, we’re passionate about making sailing accessible to everyone. We have been
fortunate this year to receive grant funding to support our learn-to-sail and community programs. Our mission
is to teach the skills of this lifetime sport, while fostering teamwork, sportsmanship, camaraderie, and marine
stewardship.
- More than 200 people participated in our learn-to-sail and community programs.
- Four sailors qualified for and competed at PCISA Girls Nationals Invitational, placing 13th.
- Achieved 8th place ranking of area high schools in the Northwest Interscholastic Sailing Association (NWISA).
- Certified 9 new US Sailing Level One instructors to grow programs in the San Juans.
- Two Orcas Island High School students began teaching summer and middle school programs.
After six years with Sail Orcas, Julia Soes stepped down from her role as Head Coach. We are grateful for her
many contributions to our program. She led our programming through the difficult years of the pandemic to
the many accomplishments of 2024. Julia will be missed by all of us in this role, and we all wish her success in
her next chapter. She will always be a beloved member of the Sail Orcas community. Thank you, Julia!
Sailor Spotlight: Leo, 9th grade, Orcas Island High School
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“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. Also, if I hadn’t joined Sail Orcas, I wouldn’t be racing the Martin with my dad or get
to learn from the adult sailors as much as I do.”
“My favorite moment this year was being at the Seattle Keelboat Clinic at Shilshole. It was fun
sailing the J/80 with Orlando, Robbie, and Theo. I learned so much that day.”
Leo is just one of hundreds of sailors that Sail Orcas supported on the water this year. Sailing is a unique
community sport that brings together people of all ages, and at Sail Orcas, we’re building that community every day.
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Looking Ahead to 2025
As our sailors’ skills grow, we are raising funds for:
- Supporting Regattas: Help offset costs like ferry reservations and lodging.
- Upgrading Safety Boats: Replace aging Boston Whalers with a safer RIB coach boat.
- New Racing Sails: Equip our teams with Optimist, Laser, and FJ sails.
Your contributions are tax-deductible and ensure our programs continue to thrive.
How You Can Help
Make a donation or share our story:
- Donate online through the Orcas Island Community Foundation
- Send a check to Sail Orcas, PO Box 1226, Eastsound WA 98245
- Share this letter with friends and family to spread the word.
Thank you for your continued support. Together, we’re making a lasting impact on Orcas Island’s sailing community.
Warmly,
Burke Thomas
President, Sail Orcas
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