Respecting Tradition - Fostering Excellence in Sailing since 2008
Our History
Many years ago, a group of downriver sailors with a passion for sailing, a respect for its local traditions, and a desire to give back something to the community and the sport formed the Grosse Ile Community Sailing Foundation. From its inception in 2008, the GICSF has provided guidance, support and assistance to local sailors, sailing organizations and those with a passion for our sport in furthering sailing education, on the water safety, and competition.
Over the years of our existence, the GICSF has provided tuition grants to candidates for US Sailing Instructor training programs, has helped local learn to sail programs in the purchase of beginner and intermediate training sailboats, has provided junior sailing tuition scholarships to sailors in need of financial assistance, and has provided financial assistance for local sailors to attend seminars and national sailing championship regattas.
We have awarded over $75,000 in assistance to area sailors and organizations in our short history.
Our History
18 years ago, a group of downriver sailors with a passion for sailing, a respect for its local traditions, and a desire to give back something to the community and the sport formed the Grosse Ile Community Sailing Foundation. From its inception in 2008, the GICSF has provided guidance, support and assistance to local sailors, sailing organizations and those with a passion for our sport in furthering sailing education, on the water safety, and competition.
Over the years of our existence, the GICSF has provided tuition grants to candidates for US Sailing Instructor training programs, has helped local learn to sail programs in the purchase of beginner and intermediate training sailboats, has provided junior sailing tuition scholarships to sailors in need of financial assistance, and has provided financial assistance for local sailors to attend seminars and national sailing championship regattas.
We have awarded over $75,000 in assistance to area sailors and organizations in our short history.
Our Board of Directors
President - Dr Brian Hartwell
Vice President - Robb Matthews
Treasurer - Todd Duffett
Secretary - Anita Chabalowski
Trustee - Roy Baker
Trustee - Katie Hartwell
Trustee - Brian Rooks
Trustee - Andrea Watson
Our board of directors strongly believe in the positive lifelong impact of the sailing experience. Whether it be racing, cruising, or "simply messing about in boats", sailing can be learned and enjoyed at any age and by either gender, and easily accommodates the blending of families and generations.
Our Mission
The mission of the Grosse Ile Community Sailing Foundation is to promote sailing as a recreational activity in the local downriver Michigan community and in the waters of Northwestern Lake Erie, through junior and adult learn to sail programs, education about sailing through clinics and seminars, and fostering competition by supporting and hosting regattas for both youth and adults.
The GICSF supports these activities through training, encouragement of participation in local and national sailing competitions,and providing the equipment and financial support for local sailors to do so.
The Grosse Ile Community Sailing Foundation encourages an interest in sailing education, competition and the maritime arts and sciences to local area youth and adults.