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Youth Introduced to Sailing at SSP

By LaDonna | April 15, 2013 | Jack London Square, Oakland |
“Put yer backs into it, ye scurvy urchins!” The Seaward crew instructed Bay Area youth on how to raise sail aboard the schooner.

latitude/John A.
© Latitude 38 Media, LLC

There was more going on at Strictly Sail Pacific this weekend than just sailors looking for good deals on gear and boats. The industry organization SailSFBay.org, in cooperation with the America’s Cup Event Authority, introduced dozens of Bay Area school kids to our favorite sport at the show. 

Genny Tulloch, representing ACEA, and American Youth Sailing Force team members talked to the kids about the America’s Cup before everyone tromped down to the docks for boat tours and some fun learning — a few lucky kids even got to go sailing with members of Encinal YC’s high school sailing team. 

ACEA’s Genny Tulloch and AYSF team members answered many questions about sailing and the America’s Cup.

latitude/John A.
© Latitude 38 Media, LLC

"Is it scary to tip over?" asked one curious kid. "What about Great White sharks?" wondered another. Volunteers and team members aboard former AC boat USA 76, the schooner Seaward and the Wylie 65 ocean research vessel Derek M. Baylis answered all their questions while educating them about sailing and the ocean. 

Julia Kernitz was one of many volunteer educators for the youth outreach program.

© Capt. Thomas Perry

In the months leading up to the America’s Cup, SailSFBay.org and the ACEA will work together to provide more sailing outreach opportunities for Bay Area youth so stay tuned. 

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