Irish Boat Shop Invites Northern Michigan Boaters to Make it Snappy!
Summer Contest of Boating & On-water Photographs to Support Local Sailing Charities
Published: Thursday, July 11, 2024 9:00 am
Irish Boat Shop, with locations in Harbor Springs, Traverse City and Charlevoix, Michigan, is sponsoring a contest to share summer memories from your favorite on-water haunts and boats on social media—all to support the Little Traverse Sailors and the Lake Charlevoix Mariners and its Sail Charlevoix Adult and Youth Sailing Programs. Both non-profits are long time educators and supporters of sailing for children and adults for over 60 years and 40 years respectively. Irish Boat Shop will donate $1 per photo submitted, up to $1,000 and encourages boaters throughout Northern Michigan to participate.
“Sailing is a big part of our history at Irish Boat Shop, as our founder, Dave Irish was an accomplished competitive sailor,” says Jack Hodge, Vice President of Sales, “We are major supporters of area sailing organizations and do a great deal of sailboat maintenance in all our locations, so we value the heritage of sailing as well as powerboating on Lake Michigan.”
Over the years, Dave Irish was President of the U.S. Sailing Association, Vice President of the International Sailing Federation and Director of the Michigan Boating Industries Association. He also encouraged and mentored younger sailors who went on to levels like the America’s Cup. “We thought the photo contest would be a great way to honor Dave Irish, engage our customers and boaters across the country to raise awareness and funds for the ongoing education of young and aspiring sailors,” Hodge adds.
The contest will run from 4th of July to Labor Day and photos, along with contact information, should be sent to [email protected]. One employee from each of Irish Boat Shops’ locations will serve on a judging panel and the top five photos will be posted on the Irish Boat Shop Facebook page for public judging right after Labor Day. Various photos will be posted throughout the summer and the winner will receive a $100 prize and the runners-up and winning photos may be used in future Irish Boat Shop ads.
“Dave and the Irish family have long been teachers, sponsors, and mentors to all who love the water,” says Mara Lowry, Board member and long-time sailor, “LIttle Traverse Sailors, officially founded by Ann (Irish) Wilderom, Dave's sister, is dedicated to "Building Lifelong Sailors." We thank Irish Boat Shop for the support and encourage everyone to make great memories on the water this summer!”
“It’s not an exaggeration to say that the Lake Charlevoix Mariners owes its current standing to the unwavering support of Irish Boat Shop. From one-off initiatives to annual assistance, the Boat Shop’s contribution has been more than instrumental, it has been transformative, shaping the growth and success of our Sail Charlevoix Adult and Junior Sailing Program,” said Dan Tosch, President.
So make it snappy! Irish Boat Shop is eager to share YOUR summer memories! For more information on Irish Boat Shop visit www.irishboatshop.com
About Irish Boat Shop:
For over 60 years, Irish Boat Shop has provided comprehensive marina services, including repair, restoration, dockage, and storage with locations in Harbor Springs and Charlevoix, Michigan. Additionally, it maintains a dedicated sales, service, and storage facility in Traverse City, Michigan. An authorized dealer of premium boat brands like Boston Whaler, Nautique, Chaparral, Premium Pontoons, J Boats, RS Sailing, and Zodiac, the Boat Shop also brokers preowned boats. A certified “Clean Marina” and service center for Hinkley Yachts in the Great Lakes, Irish Boat Shop is committed to excellence and environmental stewardship in the marine industry.
