E SCOW Grant Opportunities
Current Opportunities Through the E Scow Class
Youth Regatta Participation GrantK
The National Class E Scow Association wants to help and encourage skippers under 30 years of age to participate in championship events. If grant monies will make the difference between going and not going to one of the following regattas, you should APPLY HERE!
Development Grant:
The Island Heights Sailing Foundation (IHSF) created a bold initiative to put two E Scows in the hands of young skippers for an entire season. These young people will be E sailors for life and possibly our future class leaders. Grant proposals are submitted to the NCESA Grant Committee for recommendation to the NCESA Board of Directors for funding. Learn more HERE.
Youth Charter Program on Lake Minnetonka, MN
Just five hours west of Harken HQ, Minnetonka Yacht Club supports youth sailors through its E-Scow Youth Charter Program. MYC offers charter access to a variety of scows and dinghies. This year’s youth fleet includes one E-Scow and one Melges 15. Each charter comes with a boat lift, sails, and seasonal storage at the club — MYC covers the boat, lift/dolly, and slip.
Eligibility & Requirements:
Charter recipients must hold Regular or Intermediate MYC membership for the 2026 season, carry valid third-party liability insurance at or above MYC’s required minimums, and pay a $750 deposit. Boats are in good condition but may require upkeep — recipients are expected to maintain their charter in good working order and report any repairs needed to the Club Manager.
From a Past Recipient:
“The pricing was insane — $700 for the whole summer. That made it possible.”
For Rakesh Dhiman, affordability was just the start. The program pairs sailors with mentors, offering hands-on coaching through rigging, maneuvers, and on-water situations. “We’d follow behind them and get coached through it,” he said. The community showed up in other ways too — members donated sails, and the culture of helping made entry into the class approachable.
The application process matched that ethos. “Super easy — fill out a form and you’re in. They’re trying to get people sailing.”
Dhiman is candid about the realities of older boats. “They’re temperamental. We had things break — a vang blew up, the traveler car exploded. There’s a lot of upkeep.” Maintenance costs exceeded the charter fee, though splitting expenses with crew helped. For sailors motivated to put in the work, the value is still there. “If you’re motivated, people are excited to support you.”
