Taking a Peek at Bay Area Youth Sailing Programs

As the seasons morph from winter into spring we are beginning to see local sailing organizations promote their youth sailing programs. Spring and summer have traditionally been the high season for youth sailing. Whether we’re talking about learn-to-sail classes, junior racing, educational sails or camps, Bay Area youth usually enjoy a lot of time on the water over the warmer months. In 2020 many organizations scrambled to create programs that were COVID-compliant yet entertaining and productive for the participants. And the programs that did run were very popular. So with a bit of luck, planning and good weather, this year will turn out to be a fantastic sailing season for all the junior (and adult) sailors.

To help make this happen we’ve created a Youth Sailing page where you can find program information and contact details for local sailing clubs, associations and community sailing organizations. For example, the Alameda Community Sailing Center is planning Spring Break camps, summer camps, and an afternoon School Sailing Club in the spring and fall; Blue Water Foundation (San Francisco) runs Thursday afternoon sailing programs with San Francisco schools and SFPD to build relationships and provide experience to at-risk youth in the City; Pegasus Project (Berkeley) operates life-skills sails aboard Pegasus (a 51-ft Alden-designed ketch) to provide youth participants (and adult crew) with a basic environmental understanding and appreciation of San Francisco Bay; Sequoia Yacht Club in Redwood City offers beginner, intermediate and advanced sailing on Saturdays aboard Lasers and El Toros; Spaulding Marine Center (Sausalito) is organizing three-week summer camps that will include sailing, kayaking and woodworking; Treasure Island Sailing Center has at least six programs ranging in focus from water safety and wind/sea awareness to racing; and that’s not all! There are currently 23 programs listed on the page. So go take a look and make a plan for your family to get on board with the fantastic opportunities available now and over the coming months.

Our upcoming March issue includes a feature on Bay Area youth sailing. Look for it in your mailbox or at your favorite magazine distributor on Monday, March 1.

Are you involved with or do you know of a youth sailing program that isn’t included on the San Francisco Bay Area Youth Sailing Programs page? Send the program details to [email protected] to be included.