summer sailing camps

It's time to start thinking about summer camps!  Have you considered sailing camp for your kids?  Sailing is a special sport.  It's physical, mental, and for some, spiritual.  It fosters an understanding and respect for the elements of nature.  It encourages self-confidence and teamwork.  And on top of all that, it's FUN!

Many of the bay area yacht clubs run summer sailing camps that are open to non-members.   Prices range from around $200 to $400 for a 5-day session.  Although summer seems a long way off,  it might be worth registering now because a few clubs offer significant discounts for early registration.

If the cost still seems prohibitive, look into scholarships!  Some clubs offer need-based scholarships for families that don't have camp in the budget this year.  There is also a non-profit called Sailing Education Adventures, which raises money to provide sailing experiences to kids that otherwise could not afford them.

Minimum age for enrollment in sailing camp is generally 8, but it varies from program to program.  Here is a list of links to youth sailing programs at yacht clubs in the bay area:  

North Bay
Benicia Yacht Club
Marin Yacht Club
San Francisco Yacht Club
Sausalito Yacht Club
St. Francis Yacht Club

East Bay
Encinal Yacht Club
Richmond Yacht Club
Spinnaker Yacht Club 

South Bay
Coyote Point Yacht Club
Half Moon Bay Yacht Club
Sequoia Yacht Club
South Beach Yacht Club 

I hate to be cheesy, but...(no I don't, I love it!) ...here is my slice of cheese for the day -- a quote from Mark Twain:

"Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed
by the things you did not do than by the things you did do.
So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor.
Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."