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The Youth Nautical Education Foundation (YNEF) is an all-volunteer organization focused on providing a wide range of learning opportunities to the Youth in our community. YNEF began as the Yachtsmen’s Committee in 1986 and became a 501c3 foundation in 2009 raising significant funding for Junior sailing, High School sailing, competitive regattas and seminars and provide 12 Scholarships to local sailors each year.
Support the Youth Nautical Education Foundation (YNEF) and leave your mark at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club’s iconic Sailor’s Corner. YNEF is hosting a unique fund-raiser where you can purchase an engraved paver to honor your family, loved ones, or simply showcase your name as a proud supporter of Youth Nautical Education Foundation.
Each paver will be permanently placed at Sailor’s Corner, creating a lasting tribute while supporting a worthy cause. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go directly toward providing opportunities and resources for aspiring young sailors to learn and thrive in the sport.
To participate, simply fill out the provided form and mail it along with your check to the address listed. It’s a simple way to be a part of something bigger—supporting the next generation of sailors while becoming a part of Grosse Pointe’s Nautical Legacy.
Act now to secure your place in Sailor’s Corner and help foster a love of sailing for years to come!
The Youth Nautical Education Foundation (YNEF) is set to make waves in 2025 with fundraising events designed to bring the community together for fun, competition, and support of a great cause. These fundraisers aim to support YNEF's mission.
Superlap Racing Simulator Event
February 1, Noon to 4pm
Limited to 45 guests
Start your engines for a high-octane evening at Superlap in Berkley, Michigan! YNEF will host an exhilarating racing simulator experience for 45 participants. Attendees will have the chance to test their skills in state-of-the-art simulators, feeling the thrill of the track while competing for prizes. This intimate event offers not just the rush of simulated racing but also an opportunity to connect with fellow supporters in an energetic atmosphere.
Price: $85 each includes racing, food and drinks.
Contact the Grosse Pointe Yacht to make your reservation:
Front desk 313 884-2500
The Walz/Griggs 2028 Olympic Run
Presented by local sailor, Liam Walz
Sunday, February 2, 4pm
at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club
Join us for an insightful presentation by Liam Walz, a talented local sailor, as they share their jouney toward represting the USA in the 2028 Olympics. discover what lies ahead, including training, fund-raising, competition and fitness as they prepare to achieve this incredible goal.
All donations received through YNEF go directly to the Walz/Griggs Team to support their Olympic Journey.
More Fund-raiser to be announced in 2025
By providing sponsorships, scholarship support, and attending Fund-raisers you can play a vital role in sustaining and expanding junior sailing. Contact us for details:
jjmorrow4@comcast.net
(313) 510-4058
788 Lakeshore Rd.,
Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236
YNEF has provided to the Challenge the Wind Learn to Sail program equipment, restored docks on Belle Ille and is in the process of helping them secure a new building.
Liam Walz and Abie Griggs are a US men’s 49er team training to compete for a bid as the US representatives in the 2028 Olympics.
The Youth Nautical Education Foundation (YNEF) is proud to have supported one of its sailors in competing at the 2024 Youth Match Race World Championship, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Many folks are not aware of the high school sailing teams in our area. There are a total of 28 high schools in the metro Detroit area that have sailing teams as a varsity sport.
In 2024, twelve Youth Nautical Education Foundation (formally Grosse Pointe Nautical Education Foundation) applicants were awarded a $2,000 college scholarship. Since its inception in 2012, there has been a total of 150 YNEF scholarships awarded. Twelve of those scholarships have been funded in perpetuity.
College scholarships are awarded based on a summary of sailing experience in the Detroit Regional Yacht-racing Association Club Junior Programs, high school or college freshman sailing programs and academic credentials.
The 2024 Scholarship recipients were awarded during a special brunch at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club in May 19. Pictured below are those who were awarded scholarships.2025 YNEF Scholarship Application can be found at ynef.org/scholarships. Application Deadline: Grosse Pointe Yacht Club by March 30, 2025.
