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OYC Learn To Sail

Learn To Sail Program

Oceanside Yacht Club is pleased to offer to its members and the general public an Adult Learn to Sail Program.

Our adult program is available all year long. Boat use is only available to those who are currently in the program or an Oceanside Yacht Club member.

There are special discounts for membership for those who go through a Learn to Sail program, so please mention this when applying for the program.

Classes are limited to 4 students per session. Minimum of 3 students are necessary to form a class.

Dates:  All year

Days:  Weekends and Mid-week. (2 consecutive day sessions recommended)

Time: 8:30am-5:30pm

Age:  16 years or older

Cost: $375 includes exam & certificate. $325 for OYC members. The textbook may be acquired from Amazon or other sources.  For your benefit, please read/review prior to your class. “The American Sailing Association ASA Sailing Made Easy”

This program develops knowledgeable and capable adult sailors and instills in them a passion for the sport of sailing, which will lay the foundation for the future of the Oceanside Yacht Club and the sport of sailing.

The 2-day course consists of both classroom and “on-the-water” components that allow the student to learn the basics of sailing and safe seamanship. Instruction is on board a 23 foot Sonar keelboat.

Students will pilot the keelboat through various points of sail. They will learn how to trim the sail for maximum efficiency for a given wind speed and wind angle and how to maneuver the boat through a preset course.

OYC’s Learn to Sail Program places emphasis on having fun while learning the principles of sailing. The course includes a student study manual.

For more information please contact (760) 722-5751 or [email protected] .

To register and pay for June, July, and August courses cl ick here

To register and pay for September, October, and November courses click here.

Sailing is a great sport which combines outdoor activity, athletic exercise and social camaraderie.  Sailing is also a sport you can do for your entire life.  So if you are looking to get involved in sailing, we encourage you to do so.  It will change your life for the better.

Your first step should be to enroll in sailing lessons.  Manhattan Sailing School is the public teaching arm of Manhattan Yacht Club.  The school has grown into one of the largest and most popular adult sailing schools in the country.

Please visit their website at www.sailmanhattan.com .

Sign up for your first sailing course today.  And once you have learned to sail, then we invite you to apply for membership in the Manhattan Yacht Club.

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Private Lessons

Program Features & Cost 

Whether you are new to sailing or want to improve your skills, our experienced instructors will guide you step by step. Private lessons are for CYC Members & Junior Associate Sailing Members.

Private Sailing Lessons:

• Six sessions, each lasting 90 minutes
• Tailored to your individual needs and skill level
• One-on-one instruction with our experienced sailing instructors
• Cost: $400 for the entire course

Semi-Private Sailing Lessons:

• Perfect for duos or pairs of friends and family members
• Personalized instruction with one of our skilled sailing instructors
• Cost: $600 for the entire course (shared by two participants)

Why Choose CYC Private Sailing Lessons?

• Expert Instructors: Our certified instructors bring a wealth of knowledge and passion for sailing to every lesson.
• Individualized Attention: Private and Semi-Private lessons ensure that your specific needs and goals are the focus.
• Safety First: We prioritize safety above all else, providing you with the skills and knowledge to navigate the water confidently.

L esson Scheduling: All private and semi-private sailing lessons must be scheduled via email with [email protected] . Scheduling should be done at least 30 days in advance of the desired lesson date.

Cancellation Policy: Participants are required to provide a minimum notice of 48 hours if they need to cancel a scheduled lesson. Failure to provide the required 48-hour notice will result in the missed lesson being counted and charged.

Restriction Period: Private and semi-private lessons are not available during the period between May 15th and September 15th.

Lesson Terms: Lessons are subject to availability and instructor confirmation. Any changes or rescheduling requests must be communicated and approved in advance.

Payments and Refunds: Refunds or credits for missed lessons will not be issued for cancellations made within less than 48 hours of the scheduled lesson.

Inclement Weather: In case of adverse weather conditions, lessons may be rescheduled by the instructor or program director.

Participant Responsibility: Participants are responsible for their punctuality and adherence to the scheduled lesson times.

Program Director Contact: For any inquiries, changes, or cancellations, participants must contact the program director at the designated email address.

Sailing/Social Calendar Download

Want a downloadable 1 page list of 2024 Social and Sailing Events!?  Look no further!  DOWNLOAD HERE !

Cottage Rentals + Private Parties

If you’re a member and interested in renting any of CYC’s cottages or spaces, please contact our Assistant Manager .

CONTACT US | 920-743-6934

Sturgeon bay yacht club, serving you on the water since 1905                                                   44° 49' 33.4769'' n   87° 22' 19.5884'' w, sail training foundation learn to sail.

Morning Classes Green/White Fleet (New and Learning to Sail) 8:30 AM to Noon  Monday - Friday

10 Classes - $225.00 Blue/Red Fleet (Advanced and Intro to Racing)

8:30 AM to Noon Monday - Friday

10 Classes - $225.00   Afternoon Classes FJ/420s (Teens Learn & Advanced Sailing)

1 PM to 4:30 PM Monday - Friday

10 Classes - $225.00 Adult Classes Wednesday Evenings 5:30 - 8:30 PM 8 Weeks (June 19 - Aug 7)

Email questions to:

[email protected]

REgister TODAY

2024 Sailing Class Registration is Open

Four- 2 Week Sessions

Morning Classes 8:30 AM to Noon

Afternoon Classes 1 Pm to 4:30 PM

Youth 2-week session: $225.00

Morning & Afternoon Monday - Friday   

Session 1: June 17 - June 28

Session 2: July 1 - July 12 

Session 3: July 15 - July 26

Session 4: July 29 - August 9

Adults 8 weeks on Wednesdays

The Optimist Dinghy is one of the most popular boats in the world. It is geared towards beginning through intermediate sailors ages 8 to 15.

The 13 foot Flying Junior (FJ) is geared to teen beginners and students who have mastered the Opti.

The Club 420 is a higher performance 14 foot sailboat geared towards advanced sailors and those wishing to race.

The 19 foot Flying Scot is a stable yet responsive centerboard boat ideal for a crew of 3-5 adults.

For over 70 years, SBYC has backed and support the 501c3 organization, the Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club Sail Training Foundation, Inc. (STF). STF offers adults and kids alike affordable instruction to the public. Membership at SBYC is not required.  Thousands of local residents and visitors alike, have mastered the sailing skills and learned the fundamentals of water safety and racing protocols. Sailing teaches students independence and confidence, the meaning of sportsmanship, and offer the opportunity to learn a skill for life.

Embark on a maritime adventure with our Summer Sailing Class, where students age 8 to 80 set sail. Our program, located at the Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club, strongly emphasizes water safety, teaching every sailor to navigate securely on and off the water. This focus on safety complements their sailing skills, ensuring a lifetime of enjoyable and safe boating experiences. Guided by our passionate, US Sailing-certified instructors, each sailor embarks on a journey of discovery and excitement. From rigging their first boat to setting sail towards local landmarks and perhaps even catching the thrill of competitive racing.

At STF, we nurture both individual talent and teamwork. Students not only master the independence of solo sailing but also thrive in the camaraderie and collective learning with their peers. This balance fosters confidence, enhances decision-making skills, and creates lasting memories and friendships. Join us for a summer of gentle waves and gusts of joy, where every day is an opportunity to explore, learn, and fall in love with being on the water. Our sailors don't just learn to sail; they embark on a safe, responsible boating journey and lifelong maritime adventures. Discover why our students fondly reminisce about their transformative journey at STF, where every moment is a splash of fun and a wave of learning! Questions about classes please email [email protected]

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Ahoy Interested Sailors!!  ⛵

We have just started an ADULT pilot Fall sailing class. It will be a little different from what we have offered this past Summer. These are 2 day classes for the "Novice" sailor and 2 day classes for the "Practical" sailor.  

You can pick and choose the days that work best for you. The price will be $150 for each 2 day course. The maximum for each class is 3 students. If only one person signs up for the class, it's a private lesson with the teacher 🙂 These are filling up fast, so sign up now!! 

Adult sessions are with 3 people per instructor. Each experience on the water will take you through all aspects of Learning to Sail. Adult 2 day classes begin at 10 am to 3 pm, depending on the weather gods. We are pleased to offer sailing lessons in the Fall and Spring for adults (age 18 and older).

We sometimes take a student who is younger than 18 if they are enrolled concurrently with a parent. The lessons occur on a weekend. The fee is $250.00 per person. We need at least three students of offer a class and so are not posting dates but asking you to call Bob   Schwenoha (Learn To Sail coordinator) to get on a list of people who want to take the class. When we get three or more names he’ll call you to schedule a class.

805/215-9019

Please have these forms printed and filled out before  you come to class. MBYC_Lessons_Medical_Release MBYC_Lessons_Release_and_Waiver

Please see below on what to bring for class, but above all else, bring more layers than you think because Morro Bay can get cold. 

Suggestions on what to bring: 

• Bring layers of clothing: better to bring too much, than not enough!
• Snack/Lunch
• Wear suitable quick-dry clothing
• Water shoes (or closed toe shoes) are preferable to flip-flops 
• Windbreaker/ water resistant jacket
• Towel- just in case 
• Change of clothing -just in case

Bob Schwenoha Sailing Lessons Coordinator [email protected]

Also available through Morro Bay Yacht Club: ASA 101 Basic Keel Boat Sailing

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Welcome to GRYC

Racing at gryc.

We are home to six classes of sailing fleets for competitive racing of all ages. Throughout the summer, we offer members and their guests racing for all fleets on Saturday and Sunday afternoons (and some weekday evenings) and encourage you to join in the racing or watch from our clubhouse.

Grand Rapids Yacht Club encourages camaraderie through sailing and social events. We are multi-generational family-friendly club with a relaxed atmosphere.

The GRYC clubhouse and grounds are available to the public and members for event rentals after Labor Day until the Thursday prior to Memorial Day. Find out more about holding your event at our club. 

GRYC Logo Gear

GRYC and GRJSA have partnered with Team One Newport to create an online store for all of your GRYC gear needs.  Click on Icon and link will open in new window.

Sailing Fleets at Grand Rapids Yacht Club

Click the fleet logo for more information. 

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Post Office Box 6444 Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6444

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740 Lakeside Drive Grand Rapids, MI 49506

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LEARN TO SAIL

JPYC offers a variety of programs for youth, women, and adults. Please expand the sections below to learn more about the opportunities available at the JPYC.

ADULT SAILING

Come learn how to sail at beautiful Jackson Park Yacht Club!

JPYC is offering Adult Keelboat Sailing courses. These classes provide both classroom and on-the-water instruction, providing the opportunity for adults to develop the skills and confidence necessary to enjoy the sport of sailing.

The courses and training are designed to create competent, confident & capable sailors.

A minimum of 2 students per session is required to host the class. A maximum of 4 students per session.

Click here to register for Spring Session 1 SOLD OUT

Click here to register for Late Spring Session 1 SOLD OUT

Click here to register for Late Spring Session 2 SOLD OUT

Click here to register for Late Spring Session 3 SOLD OUT

Click here to register for Summer Session 1 SOLD OUT

Click here to register for Summer Session 2 SOLD OUT

Click here to register for Late Summer Session 1 SOLD OUT

Click here to register for Late Summer Session 2 SOLD OUT

Click here to register for Late Summer Session 3 SOLD OUT

Click here to register for Fall Session 1 SOLD OUT

Click here to register for Fall Session 2

YOUTH SAILING (JPYC Foundation)

The JPYC Foundation offers multiple programs throughout the summer for both member and non-member children. The classes are held in two-week sessions (Monday through Friday from 9AM – 3:30PM) during June, July, and August.

Students receive both classroom and on-the-water instruction. Classes are taught by US Sailing certified instructors and US Sailing REACH/Stem instructors. Instruction is completed on 420s, Bugs and/or RS Feva XL sailboats.

Youth classes are geared to the students’ different sailing abilities and interests. Please note that JPYC Foundation reserves the right to select the appropriate class level in order to ensure that children are in the best level for their age, size and experience.

Please see the JPYC Foundation page for more information.

WOMEN (Women on the Water)

Women on the Water (WoW) encourages and empowers women boaters. WoW offers on and off the water instruction as well as seminars and happy hours focused on female sailors. Both novice & experienced sailors are welcome.

Please see WoW’s 2023 agenda by clicking here . If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out at  [email protected] to learn more.

RACING 101 SEMINAR (CASRA)

FREE REGISTRATON OPEN TO MEMBERS & NON-MEMBERS

Please click here to register.

SAILING 101 SEMINAR SERIES

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Learn to Sail

The Junior program fosters a life-long love of the sport of sailing in a safe, educational, and fun environment.

Adult programs include women and co-ed and intermediate co-ed classes. Both classes include basic sailing skills, boat terms, rigging, tacking, gybing, and points of sail plus fine-tuning sail trim, reading tell-tales, and boat handling skills.

2023 Programs

The Junior Program registration opens to members on January 1 and to non-members on February 1.

The Adult Program dates are TBD.

Island Etiquette

Island Etiquette (when visiting private or public island reserves)

Please observe the rules of any island you set foot on including island capacity. This is first and foremost.

• Please try to keep larger group human traffic to below the high tide line, whenever possible. If you must go into the wooded portion of the islands, please stay on established trails, rock, grass or sand. Try not to walk on bare dirt unless it’s an established trail. Please stay off eelgrass, beach grass and dune grass.
• If other groups are camping or visiting the island, please give them space and privacy.
• No dogs please. Many of our coastal islands do not allow dogs particularly as they have nesting seabirds.
• No fires without a permit. Most fires, even with a permit, are required to be well below the high tide line. Check with the organization that manages the island.
• Please do not construct fire rings, cut firewood or use dead trees for firewood. Portable gas grills are a much safer choice on our coastal islands.
• All Maine islands are 100% carry in, carry out. Any island a PYC group visits shall be left cleaner than we found it. In the interest of island stewardship, PYC expects members are requested to leave with more trash than we showed up with. Please do your part & pick up any trash you see that is not native to the island even if it is not yours.
• In the event that an island gathering is “mixed group” eg: with other yacht Clubs on non-PYC guests, PYC members or the appointed point person/s will assume the responsibility of good island stewardship. PYC shall not rely on guests or other yacht clubs to assume the role of good island stewardship.
• At any large gathering island event a PYC member will always be last to leave to ensure we’ve done our job of leaving the island in better shape than we found it.
• If you need to use a rest room, while on an island, please do so back on your vessel or ask for a dinghy ride to a vessel. Human waste is also carry in-carry out.
• If cooking foods such as lobster, please cook it de-banded so as to not risk leaving rubber bands behind.
• Lobster, steamer or other shells must not be left on an island.
• No food waste of any kind, including corn husks etc., shall be left behind.

*Thank you for your cooperation. This document applies to all PYC members whether in large groups or small.

Washington Yacht Club

The student-run sailing club at uw, washington yacht club (wyc).

The Washington Yacht Club is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, student-run club working to provide sailing facilities, mentorship, and community for the University of Washington since 1948. 

We are located at the University of Washington Waterfront Activities Center (WAC) on the southeast corner of the UW Seattle Campus near the Husky Stadium. Come down and say “hi” to make new friends, go sailing, and take lessons (no previous experience necessary)!

WYC Activities

washingtonyachtclub

WYC Locations

Waterfront activities center (wac).

The primary hub of Washington Yacht Club events, activities, and lessons!

Sail Sand Point (SSP)

Husky union building (hub).

A secondary location for Washington Yacht Club events, primarily utilized for windsurfing lessons. 

The primary where members can submit membership paperwork or taking written exams to obtain sail boat ratings.

Office Location: Sub-Basement 259.

Office Hours: Available by appointment. To schedule, please email  [email protected] .

Learn to Sail - 2024

Our Learn to Sail Mission: Promote the sport of sailing and sailing skill development in youth and adults through qualified instruction of Sail Canada curriculum in a safe, positive and inclusive environment.

June Weekends - Introductory Youth Sailing

On 4 weekends throughout June, DYC is offering introductory sailing programs for youth focusing on CANSail I & II instruction.  Saturdays will be for sailors ages 8-11 and Sundays will be for sailors ages 12-17. All weekend courses will start at 10 am and run until 2:30 pm.  Sailors will meet the instructors at Lakeside Beach in an area near the water behind the park washrooms.

Summer Weekdays -  Youth Sailing Programs 

Throughout July and August DYC will be offering weekday sailing programs in one and two-week durations.  Each day is from 9am until 4pm. Sailors will meet the instructors at the Learn to Sail building by the DYC clubhouse.  See our course selection page for more  details.

Sail Canada Start Keelboat Sailing

DYC’s adult keelboat program follows entry-level Sail Canada Standards.  This course teaches basic sailing skills with a focus on the operation of the vessel as crew, recommended for those with little sailing experience who want to build basic sailing skills . Courses run Monday and Thursday evenings in May, June, and July from 6 - 9, August from 5:30 - 8:30  

For the required forms to accompany registration, click here.

NEW! Sail Canada Basic Cruising

The focus of this course is on the development of basic sailing and seamanship skills as well the knowledge needed to make the decisions expected of a skipper and be able to cruise safely in familiar waters as both skipper and crew of a sloop-rigged keelboat in moderate wind and sea conditions by day.  Full standards can be found here.

For the required forms to accompany registration click here .

Order your Learn to Sail Tech T Shirt

Our sailing school fills up quickly, so best to sign up soon. The complete list of courses and course availability is online.

Get the Handbook

The DYC Learn to Sail handbook includes the rules and regulations of the junior program.  Once you have decided to register please read the handbook.

Required waivers and forms should then be printed , signed and returned to the DYC office or electronically signed and sent to [email protected] .  No sailor will be allowed on the water until the forms have been submitted.

SAILING SCHOOL

12 knots sailing courses.

Weather forecast

Learn how to read clouds and winds like a pro

Competent Crew

Introduction to sailing. Learn how to become an active crew

Bareboat Skipper

Recreational sailing yacht skipper of vessels up to 78 feet

Issued documents

10 days live aboard course on power or sailing yacht. The key objective of the course is to teach candidates to become a recreational sailing yacht skipper and be able to charter and handle big cruising yachts on their own.

Ideal for those who already have little sailing experience and would like to learn coastal navigation.

• navigation at sea
• collision regulations
• practice at sea 200nm
• Skipper on a yacht up to 78ft. / 24m
• 20 miles offshore in day time
• in moderate weather conditions

5-day sailing course on board of a cruising yacht. The main objective of the course is to teach basic sailing terminology, parts and functions, basic sail trim, helm commands, seamanship and safety.

Ideal for candidates with little to no previous sailing experience who wish to train to become an active crew member on a power or sailing yacht.

• no special requirements
• Crew on a yacht up to 78ft. / 24m
• in sight of land and in fair weather
• only with professional skipper

Choose your sailing program. Where to start?

Introduction to sailing, on the coast.

Sailing knots - 3 hours

Understanding of the boat - 3 hours

On the water

Basic keelboat - 3 hours

Basic cruising

Safety on board - 3 hours

Live aboard sailing boat - 5 days

Live aboard power boat - 7 days

Bareboat cruising

Mandatory shore-based course for navigation and collision regulations at sea

Passage planning

Collision regulations

Practice at sea

Sailing boat - 10 days

Motor boat - 7 days

Advanced coastal cruising

Take additional shore-based courses prior to practice at sea

Long-term passage planning

Tidal navigation

Night sailing

Celestial navigation

Live-aboard course in tidal waters

Sailing yacht - 7 days

Upcoming courses

Blue water sailing practice

from ₽18,630

Availability

Competent crew

from ₽10,890

Marine weather forecasting

from ₽1,350

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Home  News  Dominating the Bay: 2024 U.S. Singlehanded Championships Crown New Champions in Richmond 

Dominating the Bay: 2024 U.S. Singlehanded Championships Crown New Champions in Richmond 

Event Recap: 2024 U.S. Singlehanded Championships   

Richmond Yacht Club played host to the 2024 U.S. Singlehanded Championships, where skilled sailors faced off in the heart of San Francisco Bay at Richmond Yacht Club, also serving as the Aero North American Championship. With a challenging variation of light and heavy air conditions and strong current, the competition saw exceptional performances in the RS Aero Classes.  

“I couldn’t be more pleased to have just won the O’Day Trophy,” said Falk. “It has been a great event down here in Richmond. At this event, it turned out that upwind boat speed and breeze was the difference maker. Richmond Yacht Club is an amazing venue and the hosts are amazing. To US Sailing, thank you so much for putting on this event. It has been a true honor and a great privilege.”  

“It feels amazing! I am really really really excited,” said Hale. “Fortunately for me, the conditions were mostly really heavy and really challenging, which is what I like. The race committee did an amazing job. I thought a solid start was important. There was a lot of current and tactics were also important because of the current.”  

With dramatic lead changes and no shortage of tactical maneuvers, the 2024 U.S. Singlehanded Championships lived up to its billing as one of the premier events in singlehanded sailing in the nation. Both champions showcased the skill and endurance required to excel in singlehanded sailing, setting a high standard for future competitors.  

Off the water, competitors enjoyed complimentary Black Seal Rum and Ginger Beer from Goslings , including the new Peach flavor, to make the famous Dark ‘n Stormy. Sexant Wines provided everyone with complimentary wine tasting menus, in addition to a co-branded championship bottle and celebratory sparkling wine for the winners. All c ompetitors were gifted marine tools from Gill , custom event-branded hats from Goslings, and spliced halyards from New England Ropes .    

For full results, photos, and more information on the event, please visit https://www.ussailing.org/competition/championships/2024-u-s-singlehanded-championships/  

Copyright ©2018-2024 United States Sailing Association. All rights reserved. US Sailing is a 501(c)3 organization. Website designed & developed by Design Principles, Inc. -->

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Ben McGrane's inside track on the sailing scene

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Upcoming Events

UW dock renovations pose threat to 75-year sailing tradition, yacht club students say

S tudents in the Washington Yacht Club (WYC) accuse the University of Washington (UW) of working to stop a 75-year history of teaching students to sail.

Those students told KOMO News that the UW’s plans to renovate the docks near Husky Stadium will eliminate the docks they use to store their 70 boats, thus taking away their ability to teach students to sail.

“It would really mean, like a death blow to the community,” said Renee Chien, the current Rear Commodore of WYC.

The U.W. has plans to repair and remove docks. The total dock space will be reduced by 4,000 square feet. 

“And the university has actually given us a statement as of March that we will no longer be able to keep beyond one boat on the dock,” said Chien. 

UW told KOMO News that the club only needs to move some of the club's boats short term.

“We have up to 75 boats. We’ve got everything from sailboats up to a 44-foot ocean-going vessel and everything in between,” said William Rae, another member of WYC.

Once the renovation is completed in 2025, the university told KOMO that UW recreation will no longer maintain dock storage space, so the WYC and the Union Bay Rowing Club would each be able to maintain just one boat at the dock.

“It would mean the loss of something that I have poured my heart and soul into,” said Chien. “And I feel like that is the case for most people that I work with in the WYC, who like are united by their common love of sailing.”

Chien told KOMO she just joined the WYC in November, to learn to sail and loves it so much, she’s already been out sailing 22 of the past 23 days.

“I grew up in Taipei, Taiwan and as an international student, I wouldn’t have felt like my roots were planted firmly anywhere. I thought maybe I would stay in Seattle maybe I wouldn’t, but I didn’t feel attached and it was really because of sailing and because of my access to the water and this newfound connection that I have with the Puget Sound that I feel like I would like to stay here to keep sailing and keep building the community here,” explained Chien.

Perhaps the best part of getting out on one of the 70 boats to learn to sail, is the price. Students pay just $39 per quarter.

“And if we lose that that’s a huge loss to people being able to enter into a sport that traditionally has such a high barrier,” said Rae.

Sailing lessons in Seattle cost several hundred dollars a month.

“We’re pretty unique, definitely in the Pacific Northwest, and really for student-run organizations we believe we're unique in the country,” said Rae.

UW's tradition of sailgating right outside Husky Stadium is another unique Pacific Northwest tradition and some accuse the University of putting profits from events like this over student benefit.

The renovation plan calls for adding new docks for large sailgating boats plus greater access for students and the public to rent kayaks and canoes.

“And we just want to emphasize that kayak rentals are $19 per hour our quarterly membership is $39 a quarter,” said Chien.

UW told KOMO that they are prioritizing Rec Clubs with the new waterfront plan, to expand student participation.

Construction on the docks and beach at the UW is scheduled to start in January and UW told KOMO that they are still working with the WYC through this process.

Henley Midmar Yacht Club to host national and regional sailing events

The highlight of the South African KZN sailing calendar is fast approaching, as Henley Midmar Yacht Club prepares to host the much-anticipated South African nationals and regionals from September 21 to September 24.

This year’s event will feature the Dart double-handed and Halcat classes battling it out for their national championships, while the ILCA (Laser) class will compete for the regional title.

Top sailors from the Vaal Dam, Richards Bay, and beyond are set to descend on the picturesque Midmar waters, eager to claim the coveted national and regional titles for 2024.

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The competition promises to be fierce, with the Dart class showcasing past champions Kim Phillips and Ben Miene as strong contenders, both eager to add another title to their impressive sailing resumes.

In the Halcat class, all eyes will be on three-time defending champion Steve Hegerstrom, who is gunning for an unprecedented fourth consecutive title.

Hegerstrom’ s consistency and prowess on the water make him the man to beat with a competitive fleet lined up.

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The ILCA class will see a mix of seasoned sailors and emerging talent, with junior yachtsman of the year, Noah Clulow, as a standout favorite. Fresh from competing in the World Youth Championships, Clulow’s recent international experience is expected to serve him well as he navigates the competitive waters of the regional fleet.

With generally favourable winds at this time of year, Midmar Dam promises ideal conditions for some thrilling racing.

Sailors and spectators alike can look forward to a great event as the countdown begins, excitement is building for what is set to be a memorable regatta that will undoubtedly leave its mark on the 2024 sailing season.

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Sports | Sailing in Marin: Celebrating 60 years of Rolex…

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Sports | Sailing in Marin: Celebrating 60 years of Rolex Big Boat Series

Ryan Simmons helms his J105 Blackhawk to first place in Rolex Big Boat Series 2023. (Sharon Green/ROLEX)

Winners in 2023, Kristin & Ryan Simmons (left of center with trophies) with their Blackhawk crew won the St. Francis Yacht Club's Commodore's Cup and the PICYA Jesse L. Carr Perpetual Captain and Crew Trophy. (Sharon Green/ROLEX)

Rolex Big Boat Series (RBBS), the premier racing event on San Francisco Bay since 1964, always delivers big: epic conditions over four days of racing, world-class racecourses managed by a world-class race committee, and memorable parties.

The regatta, hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club (StFYC) in San Francisco from Sept. 11-15, is stacked with Marin talent, including three teams looking to defend their 2023 titles: Marc McMorris (San Rafael) owner/skipper of the Cape 31 M2; John Arens (San Rafael) owner/skipper of J/109 Reverie; Kristin and Ryan Simmons (Sausalito) owners/skipper of J/105 Blackhawk.

StFYC Commodore Chris Perkins, from Mill Valley, has been involved with RBBS for a good portion of the event’s colorful 60 years of competition. He’s fired up for the full-on schedule of events, on and off the water, which have evolved RBBS into one of the nation’s most prestigious racing events.

“The traditional RBBS racing in front of the club over four days is just fantastic,” says Perkins. “If you like big breeze, we’re blessed; there’s nowhere in the world like it. I’ve raced RBBS since the late eighties and I just love the event.”

Back to defend his title in the highly competitive J/105 fleet Simmons says his team’s competitive edge this year will be consistency, starting with his crew. They’ve been actively racing all year as part of the J/105 championship series which runs March through September culminating with Big Boat Series as the final event of the championship season.

“We’re racing with mostly the same team and we’re lucky we have low turnover, we’ve been sailing together a long time and it’s everything, the big difference,” says Simmons. “We’re hoping to be in the mix and have a chance on Saturday and Sunday. On the first two days of the regatta, you can’t win the regatta, but you can definitely take yourself out of contention so sailing smart the first couple of days then on Saturday and Sunday is really where the championship will be won. NeNe (owned and skippered by Tim Russell, Novato) and Niuhi (owned and skippered by Randy Hecht, Tiburon) have been the premier boats in the most recent regattas but multiple J105s have won RBBS in the last 10 years; we have three North American champions racing in the fleet and a multitude of RBBS winners. It’s a pretty deep field and that’s what we’re in it for.”

Russell has been involved in the J105 class for more than 20 years, formerly owner of Aquavit and since 2019, NeNe. He’s been trailing Blackhawk in recent editions of RBBS, placing second in 2018 and is eager to take home a RBBS first place. He’ll be racing with his usual crew of the past few seasons and the addition this year of Bill Melbostad (Tiburon) who will be trimming main and calling tactics. Russell is currently leading the local J/105 fleet in the 2024 class championship series and will be a serious podium contender.

“The Bay is just the perfect venue for the J105 – it’s an awesome sailing boat for San Francisco and that is what keeps the fleet strong here,” says Russell. “I think there are maybe 10 boats in the fleet that can win a race but there are probably five who can win a regatta. I think the key is that you are not going to get a good start every single time and you have to be able to recover from a bad start; you have to turn what may have been a 12th into a fourth or fifth. It’s super frustrating not having won RBBS but you have to take chances, and I usually approach every regatta being very conservative; in Big Boat you have to gamble.”

Arens has been active on his J109 this summer, including one design racing his boat for the first time, which he notes improved his team’s game immensely.

“The big adventure for us this year was taking the boat down to So Cal for a couple of regattas including Long Beach Race Week which was the Pacific Coast Championship for J/109s, and which we won,” says Arens. “It absolutely upped our game – we had to get used to being around a lot of boats at the start line, windward/leeward marks etc. It really put an emphasis on execution.”

Reverie took third in the recent Swiftsure regatta, considered the dress rehearsal for RBBS, and Arens is looking forward to any surprises that may await in this week’s RBBS.

“Racing in ORC is always a new challenge because you don’t know who you will be racing against year over year so it always feels new. The RBBS competition is super tight and we feel like we are measuring ourselves against the best sailors out there…and we love the rum parties! Our dock assignment at StFYC this year puts us next to Merlin which is really cool; it is a boat I’ve admired since I was a 10-year-old kid when my grandfather was doing the ’77 Transpac.”

Quantum Sails will be hosting Daily Weather Briefings ay 7:30 a.m. every race day. All sailors are invited to tune in for the forecast from experts at Sailflow Weather and to hear local knowledge about San Francisco Bay conditions and currents. Racing is set to begin September 12, at 11 a.m. local time for most classes and 1 p.m. for the Classics.

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The World’s Best River Cruise Lines, According To Globe Travel Awards

From private butlers to swim-up bars and wine cellars, here are the world’s best river cruise lines shortlisted in the 2024 Globe Travel Awards.

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1. Riverside Luxury Cruises

Owner's Suite on Riverside Mozart

Launched in spring 2023, Riverside Luxury Cruises is Europe’s newest ultra-luxury river cruise line with 24-hour personal butlers, regional fine dining and VIP excursions from driving in a Citroën 2CV through the vineyards of Beaujolais to a traditional breakfast with farmers in Serbia and a private guided tour through Empress Sisi’s Royal Palace of Gödöllő . Its inaugural ship, Riverside Mozart , carries just 162 guests with four restaurants, a private dining room, The Vintage Room ( serving seven-course tasting menus); a classic cigar lounge, Connoisseur’s Club ; a Fitness Center with Technogym machines, steam rooms, saunas, a full-length swimming pool, and a sumptuous Owner’s Suite set across 883 square feet with two bedrooms, a sweeping French balcony, a marble flame-effect fireplace, walk-in closets, rain showers, and complimentary laundry, ironing and limousine transfers.

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2. amawaterways.

AmaWaterways is a family-owned luxury river cruise line boasting 29 modern, elegant ships sailing across the rivers of Europe, Asia , and Africa . It is famed for its well-appointed ships boasting whirlpools, swim-up bars, indulgent spas, and 360-degree panoramic sundecks, as well as its gourmet dining as the world’s first river cruise line inducted into La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs , the oldest culinary society in the world. In 2025, it will make history as the first major river cruise line to take guests along the Magdalena River in Colombia with the launch of its luxurious 60-passenger AmaMagdalena before adding two new ships in 2026, AmaSofia , sailing along the Danube and AmaMaya , gliding across the Mekong .

3. Viking River Cruises

Viking Tonle

Founded in 1997, Viking River Cruises was designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture, and cuisine, sailing Europe’s rivers from the Rhine to the Moselle with an award-winning fleet of Scandinavian -chic Viking Longships as well as Mississippi runners like the 386-guest Viking Mississippi sailing between New Orleans , Louisiana and St. Paul , Minnesota . It has announced five new European Viking Longships and a Mekong river ship, Viking Tonle , for 2025 with a new 10-day Treasures of the Danube voyage sailing between Budapest and Passau .

APT Ostara / APT Solara

APT ( Australian Pacific Touring ) has been running award-winning river, yacht, and small ship cruises since 1927, exploring Europe , Asia , North America , Australia, and New Zealand with exclusive Signature Experiences from recitals in the ballroom of the 14th-century Namedy Castle in Andernach (home of Princess Heide Hohenzollern) to classical concerts at the Lichenstein’s City Palace in Vienna . Set for spring 2025, APT is launching two new European vessels, the APT Solara and APT Ostara , carrying just 154 guests with its wine cellar and rooftop restaurant, sailing along the Rhine, Main, and Danube –plus its 88-passenger Mekong Serenity sailing along the Mekong River from Vietnam to Cambodia with a Serenity Spa and a Vietnamese restaurant serving gourmet five-course dinners, as you sail from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap .

A-Rosa Sena

For over 20 years, A-ROSA has been on a mission to shake off the formal image of river cruising–pioneering family-friendly river cruises across its fleet and in 2022, launched it s multi-generational flagship vessel A-ROSA SENA, complete with a kids club, family cabins, and children’s pool. In 2025, it will see two new 9-night itineraries–its Danube City Panorama voyage sailing through the Wachau Valley calling at Tulln, Bratislava, Budapest, Esztergom, Vienna, and Linz, as well as a Rhone Route Panorama cruise sailing from Lyon to Chalon-sur-Saone and Macon , calling at Viviers , Arles , Port St. Louis , Avignon and Tournon .

6. Avalon Waterways

Panorama Suite on Avalon Artistry II

Famous for its Avalon Panorama Suites boasting river cruising’s only Open-Air Balcony and beds facing its floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic views all day and night as you pass rolling hillsides and the Netherlands’ blooming tulips, Avalon Waterways is a boutique river cruise line known for its smaller ships (most around 164 guests) with a brand new Douro river ship for 2024, Avalon Algeria . You can choose from 12 new cruises for 2025, from a 13-day Christmastime from Frankfurt to Budapest sailing to a 22-day European Masterpiece voyage across the Rhine , Seine , and Rhone .

7. Scenic Luxury Cruises

Scenic Sapphire in Lyon, France.

With a focus on exclusive experiences from private concerts to gourmet feasts and after-hours access to historical sites, Scenic offers luxury 5-star river cruises from the winding waterways of Europe to Southeast Asia with an immersive Scenic Freechoice excursions program onboard its space-ships, accommodating up to 163 guests. Journey on its Rhine Highlights cruise starting in the Swiss city of Basel , before sailing towards Amsterdam , Strasbourg and the natural springs of Baden-Baden with a private classical concert at the lavish Baroque Palace of Rastatt.

8. Emerald Cruises

Emerald Luna

From tasting the flavors of France along the Rhône to gawping at towering emerald hillsides spilling along the Douro , Emerald Cruises offers luxury river cruises onboard its award-winning Star-Ships , stylish and modern, with innovative features like an indoor pool that transforms into a cozy cinema at night. Join its 11-day Sevilla & Secrets of the Douro sailing, starting with a three-night hotel stay in the Andalusia capital , Sevilla , hopping across the city’s many tablaos as you feast on tapas and catch authentic flamenco shows before taking to the water in Pinhão and immersing into onboard Portuguese cooking demonstrations and Port wine cocktail lessons.

9. Riviera Travel

Riviera Travel

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024, Riviera Travel is one of Britain ’s best-loved river cruise operators, with complimentary regional flights and rail travel (where possible) and two new river ships set for 2025–the 178-guest Riviera Radiance sailing along the Danube and the 114-guest Riviera Rose sailing along the Douro , bringing its fleet up to 11 ships. Riviera’s core program also includes themed river cruises, focussed on gastronomy, gardens, history, art, and music–as well as some sailings dedicated to solo travelers.

10. TUI River Cruises

TUI Al Horeya

Boasting more than 100 cultural shore excursions to choose from across the Rhine , the Main , the Moselle , the Danube , and the Dutch and Belgian waterways, TUI River Cruises offers intimate adults-only river cruises with three ships in its fleet–TUI Isla, TUI Skyla, and TUI Maya – and a fourth set to launch in November 2024, Al Horeya , sailing along Egypt ’s Nile with 74 cabins, a top deck swimming pool, two whirlpools, a wellness studio, a boutique ship and Egyptologists on hand as you discover the Temples of Karnak and Luxor and ancient Egyptian antiquities galore.

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