The Bay View Boat Club and Mariposa Hunters Point Yacht Club program is run by dedicated volunteer members of the Bay View Boat Club and Mariposa Hunters Point Yacht Club of San Francisco, CA. The lessons take place inside cove between Pier 50 and Pier 54 where the water is protected and calm. This area of the port is roughly 15 acres in size, and is well protected from the conditions of the San Francisco bay.
Close monitoring, instruction and guidance are provided on the water by a Sailing Instructor riding on safety boats. The kids are constantly close at hand, and are encouraged to not sail if they feel uneasy about it. The motto is “if in doubt, don’t go out”. This saying is stressed over and over again during the preliminary, on-shore “chalk talks” where we discuss safety and seamanship.
The classes emphasize safety conscious FUN sailing, considering weather, tides, traffic, etc. at all times. Besides learning general seamanship, like knots and equipment care, students learn boat nomenclature, rigging, boat handling, proper upwind sailing, tacking, downwind sailing, jibing, boat handling, teamwork and sportsmanship.
Course Requirements:
- Age range 8 to 15
- Students will be required to perform the “Swim Test” by swimming 75 yards plus life jacket practice.
- Must have their own Coast Guard approved life vest, Personal Floatation Device, rated for their weight
- Some assistance from parents would be appreciated during the lessons.
- Sign up early, it is a first come first serve protocol
Space is limited. The fee for the 5 session is $100.00. This includes the use of a Bay View Boat Club and Mariposa Hunters Point Yacht Club sailboat. Please contact either club at bvbc.mhpyc.youth.sailing@gmail.com.