Leadership through seamanship.
Founded in 2016, Coastwise Incorporated is a Maine nonprofit focused on youth leadership and maritime education. We support Sea Scout Ship 243 and work to give young people opportunities to develop confidence, practical skills, teamwork, and responsibility.
Maritime adventures bring young people together through shared learning and friendship
How Coastwise Began
Coastwise grew out of a practical challenge. In 2016, Sea Scout Ship 243 needed a vessel after the boat being prepared for its program was vandalized and made inoperable. A generous boat owner offered to donate a trawler, but the Ship’s chartering organization was not positioned to take ownership.
Coastwise was created to accept and care for the vessel, raise funds, and provide resources to support the scouts. That vessel, Defiance, became an important part of the organization’s story.
The People Behind Coastwise
Coastwise’s work depends on the time, knowledge, and commitment of volunteers and community supporters.
Capt. Brandon Wilkins
President & Treasurer
Capt. Ian Riedel
Secretary
Karen Norton
Board Member
Allen Blake
Board Member
Our Role Today
Coastwise supports maritime learning through fundraising, vessel ownership and care, volunteer involvement, and community connections. Ship 243 remains active while Defiance is ashore. We are grateful to Sailing Ships Maine for helping the scouts continue sailing and developing practical skills during this time.
Defiance at Boothbay Harbor Marina during an earlier cruise