Community Sports

Gig Harbor Junior Sailing gets $1 million gift and a permanent home

Gig Harbor Junior Sailing this week announced a $1 million gift from the Stearns Family Foundation, putting the club well on its way toward building a permanent facility at West Shore Marina.

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In addition to the donation, the foundation also gifted the club permanent dock access at West Shore and use of uplands property there. The Stearns family owns the marina, at 3815 Harborview Dr. 

“The Stearns Family donation provides a tremendous kick start for our capital campaign,” Gig Harbor Junior Sailing Program Director Joan Storkman said in a news release. “It also allows us to continue with annual fundraising for equipment, scholarships, and safety training so youth across Puget Sound area may not only learn to sail but also gain valuable employment and leadership opportunities as instructors and forge a path for a lifetime of enjoyment on the water. Stan and Judy Stearns’ extremely generous and thoughtful gift will truly make a difference in the lives of kids.” 

Gig Harbor Junior Sailing will have a permanent home at West Shore Marina on Harborview Drive. Photo courtesy Gig Harbor Junior Sailing

Gig Harbor Junior Sailing

Gig Harbor Junior Sailing teaches the basics of sailing and racing to young people in the South Sound region. In its more than 16 years, the nonprofit has provided sailing instruction to nearly 4,000 youth, including working with the Boys and Girls Club of South Puget Sound the past three years. 

The club is just beginning a capital campaign called Charting Our Course, intending to build a permanent waterfront facility. Previously, it has relied on short-term leases and donated marina space at West Shore and at a Tacoma Yacht Club facility on Wollochet Bay.

The permanent facility will include classroom space, offices, storage space and restrooms. The club doesn’t have a specific timeline for construction, but it expects the Stearns Family Foundation grant will put it at least halfway to meeting its funding goal. 

It will continue to pursue grants. Once the club reaches 90% funding, it will host a launch party for the project. 

The club will continue to operate out of Wollochet Bay, too, which is a safer space for younger sailors. 

Photo courtesy of Gig Harbor Junior Sailing.

Stearns Family Foundation

The foundation and the club announced the donation at Gig Harbor Junior Sailing’s annual fundraiser on Oct. 3. 

The Stearns Family Foundation, led by Stan and Judy Stearns of Gig Harbor, supports community development, youth development and animal safety and welfare. The foundation has been a longtime supporter of Gig Harbor Junior Sailing.

Stan Stearns has a long history with sailing. According to the club, he routinely shares his story of growing up in Miami and being drawn to the sport, but lacking the financial means to participate. “Through sheer grit and determination, eh found a way to join and thrive on the local race team,” according to the club’s news release. 

“Judy and I are fortunate to be able to give to our community,” Stearns said in the release. “We give to Gig Harbor Junior Sailing because, well, it’s like Micky Mouse Club, ‘Because we like you!’ We support youth and their pursuits of healthy recreation. Also, we have the satisfaction of seeing kids on the water rather than on their screens — it’s wonderful!”