West Marine’s BlueFuture Program Launches World Oceans Day Bag Design Contest
West Marine, the world’s premier Waterlife Outfitter, has announced the launch of an exciting new competition for fledgling young artists through its BlueFuture Program, aimed at supporting youth-based initiatives on and around the water. It’s called the World Oceans Day Bag Design Contest, and not only will it support the company’s nonprofit BlueFuture Fund, it also will allow young people to inspire others through their own unique artistic vision.
Starting April 8, West Marine’s BlueFuture Program is inviting children ages 5-12 and teens ages 13-18 to submit original artwork inspired by the 2016 World Oceans Day theme — Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet. Youth artists may use a variety of media and techniques, including painting, drawing, printmaking and digital illustration.
A panel of West Marine judges will review entries by age group and choose a winner in each of the two categories. Entries will be judged on originality, interpretation of the theme and technical skill based on age. Both pieces of winning artwork and the artists’ signatures will appear on reusable, eco-friendly bags, which will be available for purchase in select West Marine stores across North America starting Wednesday, June 1, at a cost of $5 each. All of the proceeds generated from bag sales will be donated to the BlueFuture Fund, which serves to fund grants for youth-based organizations dedicated to getting kids on and around the water in recreational and educational capacities.
Each winner of the World Oceans Day Bag Design Contest also will receive a $250 West Marine gift card as a special thank you.
“To enter the contest, a parent or guardian may simply help their young artist fill out our online submission form, which can be downloaded at www.westmarine.com/worldoceansday, and mail that in to West Marine along with the artwork,” says Lindsey Johnson, West Marine’s Director of Communications. “We’re eager to see how the World Oceans Day theme inspires our country’s young artists and, in turn, how they express themselves to inspire the world.”
To commemorate World Oceans Day, all proceeds from bag sales June 1-8 will be donated to West Marine’s nonprofit BlueFuture Fund, which will be gearing up for its fall grant cycle. BlueFuture provides much-needed funding to community-based, nonprofit organizations across North America that are dedicated to fostering youth waterlife adventure, education and stewardship.
World Oceans Day Bag Design Contest submissions will be accepted until 5 p.m. Pacific Time Friday, April 22, and winners will be announced prior to June 1.
For more information about the contest and to submit an entry, visit http://www.westmarine.com/worldoceansday. And to learn more about West Marine’s 2016 BlueFuture grants, and for detailed information about the company’s BlueFuture initiative and how you can help, visit www.westmarine.com/BlueFuture.
Winners of “Do It YourSelfie” Social Media Contest
West Marine, the world’s premier Waterlife Outfitter, today announced winners of its annual “Do It YourSelfie” social media contest. From March 2-29, West Marine asked boaters prepping for the 2016 boating season by tackling DIY boat projects to take photos of their work in progress and post them to Instagram and Facebook with the hashtags #diyselfie and #westmarine.
West Marine’s photo contest judges reviewed selfie photos of boaters doing everything from tackling a leaky head, to bottom-scrubbing, to installing new electronics and picked their five favorites. Each winner will receive a $100 West Marine gift card to help outfit his or her boat this season and enjoy life back on the water.
The 2016 West Marine Do It YourSelfie winners are:
- Timothy D. — Instagram (@daleo56)
- Jared N. — Instagram (@thetravelingalaskanx)
- Lynette S. — Facebook
- Allan B. — Instagram (@thunderguides)
- Chris C. — Facebook
“We’re thrilled to see how responsive and creative our customers are when it comes to our social media contests,” says Deb Radcliff, West Marine Senior Vice President, Marketing. “The Do It YourSelfie promotion clearly demonstrated our customers’ eagerness to get back on the water and share their efforts with fellow boaters and water enthusiasts. We’re delighted at this year’s contest response and wish everyone well as they hit the water this summer and make new amazing moments with friends and family.”
DIYers looking for advice and inspiration can turn to West Marine’s Spring Prep Headquarters located at www.westmarine.com/spring-prep. The online center includes tips and guides for many of the most popular boating projects, including bottom painting, hull repair, topside care and teak varnishing. In-depth features examine issues such as the importance of selecting the right anode to prevent galvanic corrosion, and how to estimate the amount of paint you’ll need to complete painting projects.
For more information on these and dozens more of the most popular DIY boat projects, visit www.westmarine.com/spring-prep.
West Marine Brings Pros to First-Ever Marine Electronics Expo
Four of the country’s leading fishing personalities will be on hand in select West Marine stores April 8-9 to answer customers’ questions and provide their own tips and tricks for making the most of their marine electronics during West Marine’s first-ever Marine Electronics Expo.
Customers in select West Marine markets should swing by participating Marine Electronics Expo stores this weekend to take advantage of the unique opportunity to meet the following regional fishing celebs:
• Capt. George Gozdz — Host of “Reeltime Florida Sportsman”
• Capt. C.A. Richardson — Host of “Flats Class TV”
• Capt. Chris Wittman — Host of Wild “Instinct Outdoors”
• Capt. Frank Crescitelli — Host of “The Fin Chasers”
During the inaugural Marine Electronics Expo, West Marine customers can shop the latest marine electronics from top brands like Garmin, Raymarine, Lowrance, Simrad, Shakespeare, ICOM, Fusion, Uniden, and more and have representatives from these top vendors onsite to answer their questions and demonstrate functionality of the newest technologies. The above-mentioned fishing pros will make appearances at specific times in select stores and are eager to share their personal tips, tricks and stories — and even sign autographs for eventgoers.
“We’re excited to bring this inaugural event to life for our customers at participating West Marine stores,” says Vince Allen, West Marine Senior Director, Creative Services and organizer of the Marine Electronics Expo. “West Marine is a leader in marine electronics, and we’ll be showcasing our vast Associate knowledge and leveraging the help of today’s top vendors and popular angling celebrities to help customers understand the latest technology and make the most of their marine electronics purchases.”
West Marine’s Marine Electronics Expo will take place in eight stores representing four key markets across the U.S., including the Northeast, Southeast Florida, Southwest Florida and Southern California. Participating stores include:
• Old Saybrook, Connecticut
• West Islip, New York
• Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• North Palm Beach, Florida
• Fort Myers, Florida
• St. Petersburg, Florida
• Newport Beach, California
• San Diego, California
Capt. Gozdz will appear in West Marine’s North Palm Beach, Florida, store from 1-2 p.m. on Friday, April 8; Capt. Richardson will be in the St. Petersburg, Florida, store from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturday, April 9; Capt. Wittman will make an appearance at the Ft. Myers, Florida, store from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Friday, April 8; and Capt. Crescitelli will be onsite at West Marine’s West Islip, New York, location from 12-1 p.m. Friday, April 8.
In addition to onsite fishing pros, the Marine Electronics Expo features a full slate of seminars in each participating West Marine location that cater to everything from understanding 3D sonar and extending WiFi/cell coverage, to stereo selection and how you can properly rig your kayak for fishing.
To review the full seminar schedule and for information about the latest and greatest marine electronics brands, visit West Marine’s Marine Electronics Expo Learning Center.
To learn more about West Marine’s electronics products and vendors, or for a complete schedule of events happening in participating Marine Electronics Expo stores April 8-9, visit westmarine.com/expo.
About West Marine
Each person has a unique connection to the water. At West Marine (westmarine.com, NASDAQ: WMAR), our knowledge, enthusiasm and products prepare waterlife adventurers to foster that connection and explore their passions. With more than 260 stores located in 38 states and Puerto Rico and an eCommerce website reaching domestic, international and professional customers, West Marine is recognized as a leading Waterlife Outfitter for cruisers, sailors, anglers and paddlesports enthusiasts. Since first opening our doors in 1968, West Marine associates continue to share the same love for the water as our customers and provide helpful advice on the gear and gadgets they need to be safe and have fun.
