Another Host Family Needed

In July, we put out a call for a sailing host family for German exchange student Viviane Farke. She found one and we’ll bring you a full report on how she and her ‘family’ are doing in an upcoming issue of Latitude 38, but Cheryl Williams, the placement coordinator who contacted us about Vivi, reports that another young German sailor is hoping for a sailing host family as well.

Naomi Wolf, 15, lives near Heidelberg with her parents and younger brother. She’s been sailing since she was six, and sails the river Neckar as well as summer trips on the Med. She and her dad compete — and win — regularly in regattas, and Naomi teaches sailing to young kids at her club. She’s an A student, plays piano and bass (she’s even a member of a band), loves swimming, tennis, and snow skiing.

Naomi will arrive in the U.S. in January, and needs a host family for the spring semester. She’s fluent in English and will arrive with her own medical insurance and spending money — the host family is asked to provide a roof over her head and meals. "And it doesn’t have to be a family with kids," Cheryl said. "Retirees and couples are welcome to apply as well." The application process seems relatively painless, as well as obvious — criminal background check, Megan’s Law check, reference check and an in-home interview — but time is running short to find Naomi a sailing home. If you’re interested, email Cheryl or call her at (559) 940-4713.