Bruce and Elizabeth Durkee of Marblehead are passionate about sailing and the life lessons it teaches. That’s why they lead the Corinthian Sailing Foundation, which for the last 22 years has raised and donated money to help children in underserved communities get a chance to sail.
“Imagine living on the coast and never having the opportunity to step on a boat,” Bruce Durkee said. “We know from our own lives, sailing helps so much in leadership, self-confidence and more. With all the sailing we do as a community, we want to take something we love and share it with others.”
While CSF was started by Corinthian members in 2003, it’s no longer only affiliated with the yacht club.
“Our mission is to help young kids get access to water, to sailing or racing that they wouldn’t normally have an opportunity to do,” Bruce Durkee said.
The Durkees estimate that CSF has awarded about $20,000 a year over the last 22 years to several sailing programs. A new recipient this summer is the World Ocean School, based in Boston. World Ocean School invites underprivileged kids on board two tall ships and teaches them STEM-related skills and social-emotional learning.
CSF donated $4,000 to fund four Boston-area students on a week-long trip on board one of the tall ships.
“These kids are doing things they never thought they could possibly do,” said Jill Hughs, director of World Ocean School. “They’re climbing the rigging, tying knots, learning about marine biology.”
Fred Eustis, World Ocean School board member, added, “The self-confidence is a huge factor. And they learn about teamwork.”
CSF also donates to Sail Salem, a nonprofit community organization dedicated to providing affordable access to sailing for local youth.
“The support from the CSF is more than just a gift; it’s an investment in the next generation of sailors,” said Paul McLaughlin, president of Sail Salem.
Braiden Kilroy, 19, of Marblehead is an instructor at Sail Salem and loves working with kids who have never had the opportunity to sail before.
“They come from all different, diverse backgrounds and don’t always have the access to sail,” KIlroy said. “It’s great to share the sport with them.”
CSF has also supported sailing programs at Piers Park in Boston, Greater Fall River Re-Creation and Marblehead’s own Pleon Yacht Club.
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To learn more about the Corinthian Sailing Foundation, visit corinthianfoundation.org.
