HomeScholarships

Maritime Scholarship Program

Each spring the Port Townsend Yacht Club awards scholarships to individual students for study in a maritime educational program or college. Approved fields include, but are not limited to:

marine biology
fisheries
ship and/or boat building and repair
ship operations, such as officer training
other marine fields

Awards are made to the educational program or school to be attended by the students. Individual awards range from $500 to $1,500 per successful applicant. Scholarships are awarded annually, as resources allow.

Download Scholarship Application

The Scholarship Fund is administered through a strategic partnership with the Jefferson Community Foundation.
Donations from members and the general public are gratefully accepted at any time.

DONATE NOW

2024 Scholarship Recipients

Ella Ashford

$1,000 scholarship to Willamette University for Coastal Processes & Marine Science

Ella Ashford will continue with her studies at Willamette University in Environmental Science and Archeology. At PTHS she participated in a robotics project for derelict crab pot identification and removal, and has widened her experience to archeology in Greece, oceanography off New Zealand, and coral reef ecosystems of American Samoa. She plans a career focused on the management of coastal resources to mitigate environmental threats.

Nathaniel Ashford

$1,000 scholarship for studies at a university TBD in Mechanical Engineering & Marine Biology

Nathaniel Ashford, while at Port Townsend High School, thrived as the lead engineer in the Marine Advanced Technology Education’s underwater ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) Program. His intended career is to become a marine engineer using emerging underwater robotic technologies to further the sustainability of the maritime environment.

Zephyr Bell

$500 scholarship to a university TBD for studies in Marine Engineering & Naval Architecture

Zephyr Bell has a love for design and the water that has led him to work at the Northwest Maritime Center and sail on the PTHS sailing team. His senior project, designing an aluminum outboard speed boat, will enhance his pursuit of a degree in mechanical engineering followed by marine engineering and naval architecture.

D'Leen Betts

$1,000 scholarship to the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding to study Sailmaking

D'Leen Betts (they/them), now a student at Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding, wants to continue their nautical learning through a sailmaking apprenticeship. Already an enthusiastic student and maritime volunteer, they hope to eventually have their own sailmaking loft.

Panya Cao

$1,000 scholarship to a university TBD to study Environmental Science

Panya Cao plans to study Environmental Studies with a minor in Coastal Studies focusing on utilizing natural systems to counteract the effects of harmful agricultural pesticides on the ocean. An avid sailor, she is on the PTHS sailing team and is the youth representative to the board of the Port Townsend Sailing Association, advocating for more opportunities for youth sailing.

Piper Hewitt

$500 scholarship to study Boatbuilding at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding

Piper Hewitt grew up in Maine where she sailed along the New England coastline. Currently a student at the NWSWB, she hopes to start her own business and support other women to become skilled boat builders.

Mia Nikkonen

$1,000 scholarship to study Boatbuilding at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding

Mia Nikkonen is inspired by her childhood summers in Finland where she often rowed her great uncle’s hand-crafted wooden boat. Having earned her degree in Environmental Science and Terrestrial Resource Management, she wanted a deeper connection with nature and its resources. This scholarship will support her current studies at the NWSWB.

Emilia Ramsay

$1,000 scholarship to Duckworks Boatshop Takeover for the Boatbuilding Trade Program

Emilia Ramsay, a graduate of OCEAN K-12 and PTHS, has become the owner of Dorjun, the 26 foot gaff rigged sloop built in1905, that has been part of the NWMC fleet. She plans to use her scholarship to build a Point Hudson Dory in the NWMC’s Duckworks Boat Shop Takeover that will serve as Dorjun’s tender.

Sebastian Rogowski

$1,000 scholarship to the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding for the Systems Program

Sebastian Rogowski, the first in his family to pursue higher education, has graduated from the NWSWB’s Boatbuilding School and is presently enrolled in the school’s Marine Systems program. This has awakened his interest in marine electrical systems and corrosion issues in particular. His plan is to find an internship or employment in marine electronics.

Nellie Sorenson

$1,000 scholarship to study Boatbuilding at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding

Nellie Sorenson is currently enrolled in the NWSWB boatbuilding program and wants to work in historical boat restoration and boat interiors. She hopes to eventually start her own boatbuilding restoration business and be a role model for women in the boatbuilding trades.

Hazel Windstorm

$1,000 scholarship to the Schooner Martha Training Internship

Hazel Windstorm will use her scholarship for her training internship aboard the Schooner Martha this summer. She began sailing on Martha in fifth grade. Now, as lead deckhand on youth sailing trips, her duties will include assisting in vessel operations, managing around six youth students on multi-day trips, and teaching them the basics of sailing and navigation.

Select the year below to see a list of prior scholarship recipients.

Accordion Widget

2023

Adeline Gellert DePalma, awarded $1,500 to study Marine Biology at Lewis & Clark University
Pearl Farley, awarded $1,000 to complete her boatbuilding degree at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
Amber Hocking, awarded $750 for a Six-Pack Captain's License at U.S. Maritime Academy
Kathryn Hoerauf, awarded $1,500 to study Environmental Science at Western Washington University
Lorenzo McCleese, awarded $750 to study Marine Environmental Science at the University of Washington
Ellie Meopham, awarded $750 for a Master Captain's License at Maritime Learning Systems
Elizabeth Palmer, awarded $1,000 to study Marine Systems at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
Sebastian Rogowski, awarded $1,000 to study Traditional Boatbuilding at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding

Accordion Widget

2022

Peter Dragula, awarded $1,500 to study Marine Systems at Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
Alex Guevara, awarded $1,400 to study at Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
Ella Ashford, awarded $1,500 to study Interdisciplinary Studies in technology, marine science & earth systems at Willamette University
Eric Berg, awarded $700 to study Traditional Boatbuilding at Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
Olivia Nivison, awarded $1,400 to study Traditional Boatbuilding at Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
Zoe Page, awarded $1,000 scholarship to study Traditional Boatbuilding at Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding

Accordion Widget

2021

Erika Ensminger, awarded $1,600 to study Marine Systems at Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
Ella Ashford, awarded $1,500 to study Environmental Science, and Marine Engineering and Policy at Willamette University
Emma Gunn Thomson, awarded $1,400 to study 100T Captain's License Course at Flagship Maritime Training Center
Trevor Warren, awarded $1,400 to study Marine Systems at Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
Emily Perkins, awarded $1,000 scholarship to study Marine Systems at Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding

Accordion Widget

2020

Anika Avelino, awarded $2,000 to study Environmental Science with Marine Biology & Sustainability at Western Washington University
Katherine Davis, awarded $1,200 to study Botany & Marine Biology at the University of British Columbia
Tiffany Whiteford, awarded $500 to study PSC Life Boatman Course at Compass Courses
Sonja Frojen, awarded $1,200 to study Maritime Teacher Training & Certification at Olympic College CTE
Matthew McColl, awarded $1,200 to study Marine Transportation at the University of Alaska
Elsa Sebastian, awarded $2,000 to study Contemporary Boatbuilding at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding

Accordion Widget

2019

Nathan Eby, awarded $1,500 to study Marine Systems at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
Sonia Frojen, awarded $1,000 to study for Maritime Teacher Training and Certification at Olympic College Career Technical Education
Mave Lastovia, awarded $360 to study Marine Canvas and Rigging skills at the Sean & Inger Rankin Course
Chrissy McLean, awarded $860 to study for a Captain's License at Mariners Learning Systems
Samantha Rae, awarded $1,500 to study Science at the University of Idaho
Tiffany Whiteford, awarded $1,100 to study Marine Safety STCW Certification at the Maritime Professional Training School
Kendra Wolfe, awarded $2,000 to study the Traditional Program at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding

Accordion Widget

2018

Samantha Rae, awarded $1,700 to study Science at the University of Idaho
Robert Ferrar, awarded $1,300 to study at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
Demian Detweiler, awarded $1,300 to study at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding

Accordion Widget

2017

Riley Gabriel, awarded $1,450 to study vocational training in boatbuilding to lead to an accredited degree at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
Angela Hewitson, awarded $1,450 to study vocational training in boatbuilding to lead to an accredited degree at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
Brenna Hildebrand-Latchford, awarded $1,000 to continue her climb in the maritime trades at sea at Compass Courses Maritime Training
Jakob Magus, awarded $1,450 to pursue the Unlicensed Mariner Program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (formerly the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship)
Rick Myers, awarded $1,450 to continue his vocational training for an accredited degree in Contemporary Wooden Boatbuilding at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
Ursula Swantner, awarded $700 to learn the craft of marine canvas fabrication

Accordion Widget

2016

Lennard Noller, awarded $1,500 to study at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
Laura Stefaniak, awarded $1,500 to study at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding

Accordion Widget

2005

Sea Scouts, awarded $500 for participation in the 2005 Pacific Longboat Challenge in Olympia
Port Townsend Marine Science Center, awarded $500
Sound Experience, awarded $500
Wooden Boat Foundation, awarded $500 for scholarships for children 7-9 years
Northwest Maritime Center, awarded $500 for “Learn to Sail” students
Chloe Swantner, awarded $550
Sarah Rudolf, awarded $550

Accordion Widget

2004

Port Townsend Marine Science Center, awarded $500 for full scholarships for five local teachers to attend training workshops
Sea Scouts, awarded $500
Sound Experience, awarded $500
Logan Cadorette, awarded $1,500 to attend the Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building
Jett Fisher, awarded $1,500 to attend the Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building

Accordion Widget

2003

Alcyone, awarded $300
Port Townsend Marine Science Center, awarded $500 for five local teachers to attend teacher training workshop
Wooden Boat Foundation, awarded $400 for seven half-tuitions for community sailing programs
Wooden Boat Foundation, awarded $2,000 for matching Young Boat Builders Scholarship Fund for Maya Moon.
Sea Scouts, awarded $300
Sound Experience, awarded $1,500 for six half- tuitions

Accordion Widget

2002

SSS Falcon, Sea Scouts, awarded $490
Port Townsend Marine Science Center, awarded $180 for two half-scholarships
Wooden Boat Foundation, awarded $222 for Toro sailing lessons
Spencer Snapp, awarded $160 for Port Townsend High School Sailing Team to attend Lazer Class Junior Olympics, San Diego

Accordion Widget

2001

SES Falcon, Sea Scouts, awarded $471
Lissy Yates, awarded $397
Port Townsend Marine Science Center, awarded $88 for one half-scholarship
Wooden Boat Foundation, awarded $45

Accordion Widget

2015

Jared Moore, awarded $1,000 to study in the Traditional Small Craft Program at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
Kathleen Murphy, awarded $1,000 for the 12-month Traditional Small Craft Program at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding

Accordion Widget

2014

Shawn Huston, awarded $200 to study in the Marine Maintenance Technology Program at Skagit Valley College
Joshua King, awarded $700 to study at the Divers Institute of Technology
Juhi LaFuente, awarded $200 to pursue a degree in Marine Ecology through Western Washington University’s Huxley College of the Environment
Lucas Murphy, awarded $700 to study at the Seattle Maritime Center
Serena Vilage, awarded $400 to study in the Marine Maintenance Technology Program at Skagit Valley Community College

Accordion Widget

2013

Shawn Huston, awarded $1,000 to study Traditional Large Craft at Skagit Valley College
Penelope Partridge, awarded $1,400 to complete her B.A. and study for a Captain’s License at Evergreen College
Alethea Westlund, awarded $200 to map eel grass in conjunction with the Marine Science Center, as her senior project at Port Townsend High School

Accordion Widget

2012

Zach Simoson-Bond, awarded $750 to study at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
Shawn Huston, awarded $750 to pursue an Associates Degree at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
Juhi LaFuente, awarded $275 to study Marine Sciences at Western Washington University

Accordion Widget

2011

Elizabeth Palmer, awarded $650 to study in the Large Craft Program at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding with a goal to help preserve historic vessels
Melissa Allen, awarded $1,000 to study for an Associate's Degree in Occupational Studies at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding

Accordion Widget

2000

SES Falcon, Sea Scouts, awarded $350
Lissy Yates, awarded $182 for HM Bark Endeavour
Wooden Boat Festival, awarded $135 for three El Toro Sailing Lessons half-scholarship

Accordion Widget

1999

SES Falcon, Sea Scouts, awarded $494
Wooden Boat Festival, awarded $135 for three half-scholarships
Port Townsend Marine Science Center, awarded $83 for one Day Camp half-scholarship

Accordion Widget

1998

SES Falcon, Sea Scouts, awarded $360
???, awarded $135 for three El Toro sailing lessons
Wooden Boat Festival, awarded $135 for three half-scholarships
Port Townsend Marine Science Center, awarded $83 for their camp

Accordion Widget

1997

Wooden Boat Foundation, awarded $300 for the Tall Ships Program
Port Townsend Marine Science Center, awarded $188 for Overnight Camp
Port Townsend Marine Science Center, awarded $80 for Day Camp
Wooden Boat Foundation, awarded $40 for lido racing lessons
John Calder, awarded $300 for a trip with Quilcene-Brinnon Schools’ Shellfish Science Club to accept President’s Award in Washington, DC

Accordion Widget

1996

Megan King, awarded $650 for the Wooden Boat Foundation’s Tall Ships Program
Wooden Boat Foundation, awarded $500 for their scholarship program
Port Townsend Marine Science Center, awarded $500 for general scholarships

Accordion Widget

2010

Julianne Gurnee, awarded $700 to study Marine Biology at Mills College
Sarah Felder, awarded $700 to study at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding

Accordion Widget

2009

Cheqa Rodgers, awarded $1,000 to conduct a research project about the biodiversity and abundance of fish species in two Port Townsend locations, in conjunction with the Port Townsend Marine Science Center
Ransom Cadorette, awarded $1,000 to study Marine Biology and Ecology at Seattle Pacific University
Micheal Hunner, awarded $575 to participate in the Fantastic Voyages Sound Experience on the Schooner Adventuress
Melanya Nordstrom, awarded $283.50 to attend the Northwest Maritime Center sailing class

Accordion Widget

2008

Northwest Maritime Center and Wooden Boat Foundation, awarded $1,000 to support children and youth participation in "Messing About in Boats", "Learn to Sail Youth" and the Port Townsend Youth Sailing Team
Sea Scouts, awarded $920 for the Sea Scout Regatta and for participation in the Pacific Challenge Longboat Competition and the Atlantic Challenge
Schooner Martha Foundation, awarded $500 for youth in sail training
Sound Experience, awarded $575 for youth participation in the Fantastic Voyage overnight program
Port Townsend Marine Science Center, awarded $1,000 to support their marine education programs

Accordion Widget

2007

Northwest Maritime Center & Wooden Boat Foundation, awarded $1,000 for three youth boating classes
Alicia Dominguez, awarded $800 to study at the Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building
Sea Scouts, awarded $700 for certifications, long boat competition, and life jacket replacement
Port Townsend Marine Science Center, awarded $500 for education on marine stewardship
Schooner Martha Foundation, awarded $500 for youth sailing program
Sound Experience (Adventuress), awarded $500 for Fantastic Voyage sailing programs

Accordion Widget

2006

Sea Scouts, awarded $500 for 15 youth jackets with logo
Sound Experience, awarded $350 for Adventuress Sound Exploration trips
Northwest Maritime Center and Wooden Boat Foundation, awarded $800 for Youth Sea Camp and Learn to Sail Program
Port Townsend Marine Science Center, awarded $350

Accordion Widget

1995

Trisha Solheim, graduate of Port Townsend High School, awarded $500 to study marine biology at the University of Washington
Wooden Boat Foundation, awarded $500 for local youth program
Port Townsend Marine Science Center, awarded $135 for a local child to attend Day Camp

Accordion Widget

1994

Mark D. Anderson, awarded $500 to study at U.S. Merchant Academy, Kings Point, NY

Accordion Widget

1993

Eric Jacobsen, awarded $500 to study at California Maritime Academy

Accordion Widget

1992

Sarah Young, Port Townsend High School graduate, awarded $500

Accordion Widget

1991

Garvin (Gary) Purtteman, Port Townsend High School graduate, awarded $1,000