THE BAYFRONT MARITIME CENTER
At BMC, we believe in the power of hands-on programming.
Founded in 1998, the Erie Maritime Foundation, doing business as Bayfront Maritime Center, is a 501(c)(3) community-based nonprofit dedicated to inspiring learning through maritime education. Through hands-on, project-based experiences in sailing, boat building, rowing, paddling, adaptive sailing, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and maritime career exploration, the organization connects students to real-world skills and opportunities. Its diverse programs are designed to actively engage participants, foster curiosity, and empower learners to take an active role in their educational journey.
THE BAYFRONT MARITIME CENTER
At the Bayfront Maritime Center, the most powerful learning happens through experience—where hands-on challenges spark curiosity, build confidence, and transform potential into achievement.
The Bayfront Maritime Center is a community-driven nonprofit that transforms lives through hands-on maritime education. Through sailing, boatbuilding, rowing, paddling, adaptive sailing, STEM learning, and maritime career exploration, we immerse students in real-world experiences that build skills, confidence, and opportunity.
Our dynamic programs challenge participants to create, explore, problem-solve, and lead. By combining experiential learning with adventure and discovery, we ignite curiosity, strengthen critical thinking, and empower learners to chart their own course toward success.
BMC’s Mission: to design and implement engaging, hands-on, maritime-themed educational, vocational and recreational opportunities for the community in a universally accessible waterfront facility.
FUND OUR PROGRAMS
Donate
SUPPORT US THROUGH
Membership
JOIN OUR TEAM
Volunteer
Waterfront Campus and Boat Shop
Bayfront Maritime Center
The Bayfront Maritime Center is a vibrant waterfront campus where education, innovation, and adventure come together. Featuring a modern boatbuilding workshop, advanced digital fabrication and maritime simulation technology, flexible learning spaces, and a fleet of vessels that serve as floating classrooms, the Center provides immersive, hands-on experiences that bring learning to life.
Students and community members don’t just learn about the maritime world—they actively participate in it. From designing and building boats to sailing, exploring STEM concepts, and developing career-ready skills, participants gain confidence, teamwork, and practical experience through meaningful real-world projects.
As a community-driven nonprofit, the Bayfront Maritime Center empowers learners of all ages through innovative educational programs, youth development initiatives, workforce pathways, and adaptive recreation opportunities. Its commitment to accessibility ensures that individuals of all abilities can experience the freedom, challenge, and joy of being on the water.
None of this would be possible without the dedication of supporters, partners, volunteers, board members, educators, and donors who share a vision of transforming lives through maritime education. Together, they are building stronger futures, expanding opportunities, and inspiring the next generation of leaders, makers, and explorers.
What is the Erie Maritime Foundation? Erie Maritime Foundation is the legal name of Bayfront Maritime Center. When we received our 501(c)(3) status, we opted to go by Bayfront Maritime Center to avoid confusion with the Erie Maritime Museum. We are not affiliated with the museum, though our buildings are adjacent to one another.
- President: Vincent Nientimp
Vice President: Brian Seelinger
Treasurer:
Secretary: Sherri “Sam” Mason - Director: Mark Eisert
- Director: Andy Gibbon
- Director: Rod Troester
- Director:
- Emeritus: Richard Eisenberg
2007 Annual Report
2009 Annual Report
2011 Annual Report
2013 Annual Report
2015 Annual Report
2017 Annual Report
