Submitted by Lopez Island Yacht Club

Lopez Island Yacht Club is pleased to announce the winner of our first “Annual Award to Promote Youth Boating and Water Safety”. After lengthy debate by the LIYC board regarding the top two applicants, the prize of $1000 was awarded to The Lopez Seafaring and Voyaging Program (LOSVOP). What impressed the board most about this Lopez Island-based program was their mission of providing middle-schoolers and high schoolers the opportunity to be totally immersed in the boating experience in the islands. Their program includes building wooden boats, as well as sailing, rowing and camping on week long trips in the San Juans.

LOSVOP was founded in 2008 by Greg Ewert, Steven Brouwer and Richard Fagen with the express purpose of “educating Lopezians (with a special emphasis on middle-schoolers and high schoolers) on the challenges and joys of exploring and understanding the spectacular marine world that surrounds us.” Over the years, they have been able to introduce more than 200 young people to the wonders of seafaring and voyaging. Anyone interested in learning more about this organization or to inquire about opportunities to volunteer, contact Richard Fagen at reesfagen@gmail.com.