"Build-a-Boat Challenge" Raises $55,000 for Tall Ship Preservation

DANA POINT, CA, June 18, 2009 - The Ocean Institute's 6th annual "Build-a-Boat Challenge," a June 13th contest in which participants designed, built and raced their own boats, drew 500 participants and raised $55,000 for preservation of the Institute's two tall ships, the Pilgrim and Spirit of Dana Point.

"Our award-winning maritime history programs serve thousands of children each year and funding needed preservation work on these two vessels is always a challenge," related Dan Stetson, the Institute's president. "We're grateful to all who participated in our Build-a-Boat Challenge and encourage the public's continued support of all our programs."

Teams were given limited resources and four hours in which to build a boat. Once the boats were completed, they were taken to nearby Baby Beach to participate in a race. Some, to the enjoyment of spectators and participants alike, sank before reaching the finish line.

The winners for the day for the Cruiser Class were: 1st place, South Coast Medical Center, Laguna Beach; 2nd, Dana Point Yacht Club; 3rd, BLUEWater Design Group, LLC, San Pedro/Long Beach. The winners for the day for the Classic Class were: 1st, Bryan A. Stirrat & Associates, Diamond Bar; 2nd, Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc., Irvine; 3rd, Concordia Elementary, sponsored by Hydroseal Polymers, Innovative Polymer Systems & JMC Global, San Clemente.