PORT TOWNSEND — A Port Townsend Yacht Club program aims to help those looking to learn maritime skills.
Applications for the club’s 2019 scholarship awards are now being accepted. Applications must be postmarked or emailed no later than Jan. 21. Scholarship award notifications will be made Feb. 15.
It is estimated that $8,000 will be awarded.
College and vocational schools as well as short courses and programs are eligible for consideration. Subject areas include marine biology, fisheries, ship and boat building, ship operations, officer training and other marine fields.
To raise money for the fund, the yacht club will host its annual garage sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at 2503 Washington St. It will offer an assortment of items.
“The scholarship program is one of our high priority fund-raising initiatives within the Port Townsend Yacht Club,” Commodore Jess Schefstrom said.
“This year we awarded $5,600 in scholarships to four deserving individuals who wanted to pursue boatbuilding, marine systems and marine sciences course work.”
The club said the recipients studied at the School of Wooden Boatbuilding in Port Hadlock and at the University of Idaho with a focus in marine sciences.
“The club is so pleased to be able to make this contribution to the Jefferson County community,” said Paul Eisenhardt, chairman of the yacht club’s scholarship committee.
“It is heartwarming to be able to contribute to those individuals wishing to either change careers, further ongoing studies, or just enhance their skills in a given trade.”
The yacht club has been raising money for its annual Maritime Scholarship fund for the past 26 years. Since 1991, the club has awarded more than $56,000 for maritime education.
Scholarship applicants must either live in Jefferson County or attend a qualified program inside Jefferson County. Awards will be made to the educational institution for the recipient’s use.
Applications are available online at the Port Townsend Yacht Club website ptyc.net or the Washboard scholarship match website at thewashboard.org/login.aspx.
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Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Jeannie McMacken can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jmcmacken@peninsuladailynews.com.
