O.C. Marine Institute Wins National Award

The Orange County Marine Institute has been recognized by a national sailing organization for providing an educational program that “best fulfills the spirit of maritime leadership” and environmental awareness.

The American Sail Training Assn. of Newport, R.I., selected the institute as having the year’s best Sea Education Program.

Founded in 1973, the association promotes sail training as an educational and character-building experience for youth.

The marine institute “typifies what our association is all about,” said Scott Raymond, the association’s education chairman.

“Their work and dedication continues to set the standards in sail training, and they are the role model for maritime programs around the world,” he said.

Daniel Stetson, the institute’s director of maritime affairs, received the award in Baltimore.

“Winning this award is a tremendous honor for us,” Stetson said.

The marine institute was founded in 1977 and provides hands-on experiences for youth through a variety of programs, including ocean research techniques, surf safety and tide pool exploration.

Last year, more than 70,000 students from California, Arizona, Utah and Nevada took part in the institute’s programs at Dana Point Harbor. In addition, the institute oversees similar educational maritime programs in San Diego and San Francisco, and has a proposal for one in Hawaii.