Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Recreation Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Gig Harbor Junior Sailing highlights growth, scholarships and a $1 million pledge toward permanent home
Summary
Program leaders told the City Council the 17-year Gig Harbor Junior Sailing program served about 632 campers in 2025, provided $26,000 in scholarships and is seeking a permanent storage and office building expected to cost about $2 million after a donor pledged $1 million.
Gig Harbor Junior Sailing leaders addressed the City Council April 13 to describe 17 years of program growth, staffing and fundraising needs and to request continued community support.
"We were started by Gig Harbor Yacht Club members," volunteer program director Joan Storkman said, tracing the program’s growth from six boats and 30 campers to 49 boats and an enrollment of 632 campers last summer. Storkman described the program as the city’s largest maritime summer employer, noting it hires roughly 30 seasonal staff and runs programs for ages 6–18.
Staff and volunteers outlined the program’s scholarship work and volunteer-to-staff pipeline. Administrative assistant Lisa Embick said the program has served more than 4,000 campers and has awarded about $165,000 in scholarships since its founding. Sail-camp director Ripley Morris described the camp structure — 10-week sessions Monday–Friday with half-day options for younger children — and said many race-team alumni return as instructors.
Storkman told the council the organization recently received an informal pledge of $1,000,000 from a local supporter, Stan Stearns, toward a permanent building at West Shore Marina that would provide office space, restrooms and storage. She said the facility would require about $2,000,000 to complete and that the group will continue fundraising and hold annual fundraising events, equipment donations and sales to cover repairs and replacements.
Program leaders also described operational needs: off-site storage for roughly 17 trailers and safety boats in winter, and annual payroll (including seasonal staff) that totals just over $300,000, which they said largely circulates back into the local economy. The group asked council members to visit West Shore Marina for a tour and to consider ways the city might support their facilities and outreach.
Council members thanked the presenters and noted the program’s role in youth development and local recreation. The council did not take formal action on the presentation.
