Kitsap Sailing & Rowing Foundation Supports Sailing at the Port of Silverdale
A Brief History
KSRF began as a Leadership Kitsap project in 2006 as a vehicle to support the newly created Kitsap County Parks and Recreation sailing program. The foundation provided volunteers to run programs and funding for both maintenance of the equipment and acquisition of new boats. The Port of Silverdale was an additional partner, providing access to the water. The sailing and rowing programs were the last self-sustaining recreational program in the County Parks and Recreation, but ultimately the County decided to drop recreation from its offerings. Fortunately, the Port of Silverdale stepped in and the equipment was transferred over in 2013.
Since that time, the foundation has helped to increase the fleet size dramatically and all newly acquired equipment is given to the Port. In 2017 the rowing programs had grown so successfully that they formed their own separate non-profit under the name of Clam Island Rowing. As a result, KSRF expects to be most commonly known as Kitsap Sailing Foundation in the future.
Since that time, the foundation has helped to increase the fleet size dramatically and all newly acquired equipment is given to the Port. In 2017 the rowing programs had grown so successfully that they formed their own separate non-profit under the name of Clam Island Rowing. As a result, KSRF expects to be most commonly known as Kitsap Sailing Foundation in the future.
The Kitsap Sailing & Rowing Foundation believes that learning to sail and row teaches important life skills like teamwork, decision making, and appreciation of the natural environment. Competitive sailing and rowing requires tactical and strategic thinking and physical ability. With each experience on the water, young people gain self-confidence, self-esteem and a sense of camaraderie and accomplishment.