Off the Couch and Out on the Water

Some things in life are reliably predictable. At San Rafael’s Loch Lomond Marina, for example, a new flock of ducklings is born every spring, and can be seen patrolling the fairways all summer long. Just as reliably, a new breed of young sailors takes to those waters aboard sailing dinghies, getting their first introduction to the joys of our sport.

The long-established community sailing organization Sailing Education Adventures, which is now based at Loch Lomond, is one of a long list of summer sailing opportunities for kids as young as eight — all of which are listed in the Northern California Sailing Calendar and YRA Master Calendar. 

As you peruse those listings you’ll see that many introductory youth programs operate all year, including those at the Treasure Island Sailing Center, Richmond YC and the Alameda Community Sailing Center.

These days, many kids seem to have chosen to become couch potatoes rather than becoming active outdoor sports enthusiasts. But perhaps that’s just because they haven’t been introduced to truly engaging sports such as sailing. Check out all the programs listed in our annual Calendar (many of which offer scholarships), and we think you’ll agree that access to sailing here in the Bay Area is relatively easy — for kids as well as adults. Also, if you or your kids have had an outstanding experience in a Bay Area sailing program, we’d love to hear about it.