Martha’s Vineyard Ocean Academy, a local educational nonprofit, has been awarded the Frank J. Bailey National Maritime Excellence Fund Sail Program of the Year award. The recognition is made by Tall Ships America in honor of the academy’s commitment to maritime education and exemplary practices in sail training.

The Vineyard Haven-based Ocean Academy is the first organization to receive this particular award.

Captains Ian Ridgeway and Casey Blum accepted the honor at an award ceremony at the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies in Maryland on Feb. 7. The event provided an opportunity for maritime professionals, educators, and enthusiasts to come together to celebrate excellence in sail training.

For more information visit mvoceanacademy.org.