This fund was established by a vote of the Ipswich Junior Sailing Board of Directors on September 9th, 2024, in memory of our dear friend and colleague, Eric Getchell. Eric was a deeply respected and much-appreciated director on the IJS board. His passion for teaching and his contribution to nautical science left a palpable mark on the Ipswich Junior Sailing community.
At IJS, Eric played a pivotal role in advancing the development and improvement of our on-land nautical science curriculum and training program, designed for sailors of all ages and skill levels. He not only helped refine this curriculum but also dedicated himself to training our staff and mentoring instructors over the years. Eric was known not just for his intelligence and dedication but for his humility—he often deflected praise to others, focusing instead on teamwork and shared success.
The IJS Nautical Science Program, initiated in 2021, aims to enrich the learning experience both on land and on the water. It is designed to familiarize sailors with the STEM principles that underpin their experiences on the water as well as the beautiful area we run our program in.
The nautical science curriculum engages sailors of all ages in age-appropriate lessons, covering topics such as:
- Basic chartwork and navigation
- Principles of flotation and buoyancy
- The physics behind sailing mechanics
- Environmental education about Ipswich Bay and its ecosystems
- Seamanship skills and safe boating practices
Through these lessons, our sailors develop a better understanding of both their boats and the waterways of Ipswich Bay, fostering a lifelong curiosity for nautical science and sailing.
To support the continued growth and enhancement of the nautical science curriculum, IJS staff regularly utilize teaching materials such as charts, compasses, pulleys, whiteboards, and projectors.The Eric Getchell Educational Fund will be used to purchase new teaching materials, update existing resources, and provide scholarships for staff to receive additional training in nautical science education. To ensure the program remains current and well-resourced, IJS instructors can submit applications for these resources to the IJS Board on an annual or rolling basis. The Eric Getchell Educational Scholarship ensures that Eric’s legacy will continue to inspire and support the education of future generations of sailors, ensuring they have access to the best possible instruction and materials to further their knowledge of nautical science
To make a contribution, please use one of the links below or send a check made payable to Ipswich Junior Sailing, Inc. to:
Ipswich Junior Sailing, P.O. Box 364, Ipswich, MA 01938
Please contact us if you have any questions about the donation process or to express interest in supporting Ipswich Junior Sailing.