The serenity and beauty of the waters surrounding the Florida Keys is a precious commodity to be treated with respect and the Key West Community Sailing Center recently unveiled a new program to help area youth come to a new understanding about their environment.
Teaming with Category 5 Signs, the non-profit 501(c)3 organization is offering blank Opti sailboats for businesses looking to support youth sailing while marketing their business. Dubbed “Opti Splash” program, organizers are envisioning an armada of young sailors cutting through the waters of Garrison bight on custom designed sailboats sponsored by local businesses.
“Although we have a lot of kids, we are still able to accommodate more of our community’s children,” said Sailing Center Commodore Jens Nielsen. “We recognize that in today’s economic times, many parents just can’t afford to send their kids, at our current cost, even though the Center subsidizes each child that attends.”
The Key West Community Sailing Center’s mission is to teach children not only to sail and have fun on the water, but also gives them the tools and knowledge to be a safe and responsible boater – traits that will follow them through life.
In 2010 the Center had more than 100 children ages 8 to 13 attend their programs.
The donation fees includes the complete design and installation of a full color high resolution wrap for both the port, starboard, and transom of the boat. The complete design and installation courtesy of Category 5 Designs.
“Your boat will then be used by the club for its sailing programs,” said Neilsen. “The Opti boats will be sailed throughout the year in highly visible areas around Palm Avenue an in the bight.”
To help young sailors and your business, call Category 5 Signs General Manager Jay Wilson at (305) 295-0026 or send jwilson@localenterprises.net. For more about the Sailing Center, contact Jens Nielsen at (305) 292-5993 or via email at kwsccommodore@gmail.com.
