Irish Boat Shop, with locations in Harbor Springs, Charlevoix and Traverse City, Michigan, invites boaters to share summer memories from favorite on-water haunts for social media—all to support the Little Traverse Sailors and Sail Charlevoix.  Irish Boat Shop is sponsoring the contest to help the non-profits that 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 for a good cause.

Sailing has always been a large part of Irish Boat Shop’s history as founder Dave Irish was an accomplished competitive sailor and inspired many youngsters to embrace the sport. As a major supporter of area sailing organizations, Irish Boat Shop also does a great deal of sailboat maintenance in all three locations. “We value sailing as a core part of our heritage and a way to honor Dave Irish, while also recognizing that powerboating on Lake Michigan remains a vital part of our business,” says Rick Fleming, VP of Operations. “We’re excited to share boaters’ photos, turning this season’s memories into next season’s motivation,” he adds.

Over decades, 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 now compete at the highest levels.

The contest will run from 4^th 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 an Irish Boat Shop prize package; runners-up and winning photos will be used in future Irish Boat Shop promotions.

Little Traverse Sailors, one of the benefactors of the contest, was originally founded by Ann (Irish) Wilderom, Dave’s sister and has been dedicated to ‘Building Lifelong Sailors.”  Mara Lowry, Board member with Little Traverse Sailors says, "We want to thank Irish Boat Shop for its lifelong mentorship and ongoing support--particularly the Harbor Springs location, which generously hosts part of our campus. They have not only guided young people through sailing but have also opened doors in education, creating opportunities that extend far beyond the water. We encourage everyone to make and share great memories on the water!"

“Lake Charlevoix Mariners owes its standing in our market to the unwavering support of Irish Boat Shop,” says Dan Tosch, President. “From annual assistance to various initiatives, Irish Boat Shop has not just been instrumental, it has been transformative in shaping the growth and success of our Sail Charlevoix Adult and Junior Sailing Program,” he adds.

Capture the moment! Irish Boat Shop is eager to share YOUR summer memories so email them to [email protected] and become a winner! For more information on Irish Boat Shop visit www.irishboatshop.com

About Irish Boat Shop:

For over 60 years, Irish Boat Shop has provided boat sales and 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, 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.