Boothbay Sea and Science Center has been awarded the prestigious US Sailing Creative Innovations in Programming award. The award recognizes “those programs, or individuals, who have successfully found new, and different, methods for teaching sailing,” according to US Sailing. The award is given to one organization each year and is awarded on a national scope. US Sailing’s mission is to provide leadership for the sport of sailing in the United States. Past recipients have included the Mystic Seaport Museum Sailing Center and New England Science and Sailing.  

“Boothbay Sea and Science Center (BSSC) has developed partnership programs that integrate sea, science, observation skills, and real time data collection and analysis,” US Sailing wrote. “BSSC programs foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the waterways and industries in Maine, to have a positive economic impact worldwide, and potentially stimulate economic growth to the Northeast region while centered on combining sailing and environmental sciences for all ages.” 

Executive Director Pauline Dion said she was delighted to have the innovation of the BSSC program recognized. “In 2011 Eric Graves and I hatched the idea of an experiential community sailing program that integrated marine science. In 2012 we created the Boothbay Sea and Science Center after receiving overwhelming support from the community that this program not only would bring more youth to the sea, but also teach them how to be responsible stewards of the ocean. We are honored to join past awardees in our efforts to find new ways to utilize our existing resources to get new sailors on the water.”

Boothbay Sea and Science Center has been teaching sailing, boating skills and marine science to youth ages 5–17 since 2013. In 2023, 160 youth participated in the program, which took place at the Center’s new campus on Linekin Bay at 12 Carter Road, East Boothbay. Registration is open for the 2024 program for five age groups offering nine weeks of integrated sea and science starting June 17 through August 16. Financial Assistance is available. BSSC’s dynamic program recognized by US Sailing teaches sailing and boat handling skills and covers a range of contemporary marine science topics that include ocean pollution, climate change as well as art and culture of the Maine coast. Summer employment opportunities for sailing and science instructors are available. “BSSC’s programs are focused on opening doors of opportunity for students, instructors, and teachers with hands-on learning, instilling lifelong skills and creating career pathways in STEM fields,” Dion said.

For more information visit https://boothbayseaandsciencecenter.org/