We are proud to introduce Mary Anne Ward as the new Executive Director of Sail Sand Point. She comes to Sail Sand Point from Chicago where she was the Event Director at Chicago Match Race Center, an organization that hosts and supports world-class race events. Previously she was the Regatta Chairman at the Lake Eustis Sailing Club, a non-profit community sailing center in Florida. An experienced entrepreneur, Mary Anne successfully founded and sold two companies previous to working in the sailing world.
As the only woman skipper to win a Bacardi Race Week and the skipper and owner of the M&M Racing Team, Mary Anne is a respected role model for women in the sailing community, a motivating mentor for racers, and an empowering public speaker for youth. Her enthusiasm for teaching others how to sail and encouraging people to take on challenges make her an inspiring fit for Sail Sand Point.
At Sail Sand Point the key mission is to provide water access for people of all ages and abilities and to create a vibrant community of boaters. This is achieved through a scholarship program, community outreach events, and sailing opportunities for people who have disabilities. Youth summer camps, adult lessons and race nights make Sail Sand Point a place where everyone can get involved.
“Sail Sand Point is one of the best kept secrets in Seattle that shouldn’t be a secret anymore,” states Mary Anne. “The community spirit is what makes Sail Sand Point unique from other sailing opportunities in Seattle.” As the new Executive Director at Sail Sand Point, Mary Anne’s broad focus is to support the great community that exists through its programs. She says, “The fact that we can open the world of sailing to people of all ages and abilities makes Sail Sand Point integral to the sailing community in Seattle. I am proud to be part of Sail Sand Point because of the dedication we have to helping everyone in our community become successful sailors.”
Please join the Board of Directors, Search Committee, and Sail Sand Point staff in welcoming Mary Anne Ward to Sail Sand Point!