Is there a boating area that you enjoy on your Monterey or another waterway in your community that could use a little TLC? Now could be a great time to take the Waterfront Challenge and come up with an improvement and light maintenance plan to keep it looking its best.



The Waterfront Challenge is currently being promoted to yacht clubs, environmental organizations, students, families, friends and interested boaters.  It pertains to any new, self-sustaining projects that help clean and maintain local waterways and shorelines, for Monterey owners (and everyone else out there) who enjoy boating or other activities on the water. Lakes, streams, rivers and oceans are all eligible locations.



Interlux® Yacht Finishes of Union, NJ shared its Waterfront Challenge 2012 at the recent Miami International Boat Show. The company's national competition is returning this year and is now open  to any group of 3 or more people (over age 18) willing to spend a minimum of two days on a project, anywhere in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean.



A total of $50,000 in awards will be announced at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show in October. The various grant amounts will go to help groups or organizations that create sustainable waterfront environmental improvements in their communities.



"We are pleased to be able to continue with the Waterfront Challenge in 2012," said Elenor Ekman, Interlux North America Marketing Manager. "Some outstanding waterfront improvement projects were recognized by our judging panel last year and we look forward to supporting even more sustainable projects this year. From the smallest dinghy to the most luxurious superyacht, our passion for boats knows no bounds. It's what bonds us - this shared obsession, this chemistry between people in the boating community."



Winners of the 2011 Waterfront Challenge included groups and projects in Vermont, Ohio, New York, Maryland, Florida, and Tacoma, Washington.



Applications are being accepted now, and organizations have until August 31, 2012 to apply. A  5-judge panel of marine industry leaders, along with boaters voting on Facebook for their  favorite projects, will select seven regional winners to be awarded $4,500 each and a grand  prize winner of $20,000.



The judges for the 2012 Waterfront Challenge are: Thom Dammrich, President, National Marine Manufacturers Association; Fred Daoust, General Manager, Interlux North America; John Kelly, Chairman, American Coatings Assoc. Antifouling Working Group; Dan Pingaro, CEO, Sailors for the Sea; and Susan Shingledecker, Director of Environmental Programs, BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety & Clean Water.



For applications, basic ground rules and other details, visit www.waterfrontchallenge.com.