The Dunedin Youth Sailing Association was looking to purchase Laser sail boats so its progam could include more competitive racing options for the older teens.

The only problem? The prorgam had no place to store the boats.

That's when Alex Gawel, a 15-year-old member of Boy Scout Troop 10, decided to take it on as his Eagle Scout project.

Alex Gawel learned to sail and race through the Dunedin Youth Sailing Assocation program, which caters to children ages 8 to 16. The Laser boat purchases would expand the Dunedin Youth Sailing program to include teens 16 to 18. His father Jeffery Gawel still has ties to the program.

"When the need came up, it fit perfectly with Alex's need for a project that he could feel passionate about," his mother Porcia Gawel wrote to Patch in an email. 

Alex raised more than $1,000, rallied 43 volunteers, and logged 257 hours to construct boat racks at Dunedin Municipal Marina. The racks were built on Saturday, Dec. 15. He used $900 of the funds and remaining monies will be donated to the Dunedin Youth Sailing Association scholarship program, Porcia Gawel said.

Dunedin Youth Sailing Association, members of Boy Scout Troop 10, the City of Dunedin, friends and family volunteered in some way. Mayor Dave Eggers also lent support on construction day.

The new boat racks are located near the Dunedin Boat Club.

Alex Gawel is a sophomore at Clearwater High School. He intends to study in the international business field after he graduates high school in 2015. 

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