Published on May 28, 2015 | Sailing Scuttlebutt
by John Arndt, Summer Sailstice founder
There are numerous things that can and are being done to create new sailors with fun, creative sailing programs. And when I tour the waterfront, I see much of the prescription in place – great programs, great boats, numerous accessible facilities, amazingly inexpensive community programs, and dedicated enthusiastic instructors inspiring people of all ages with really fun sailing opportunities.
While there’s always room for improvement, I contend one of the biggest challenges to be addressed is in the promotion of these services. Despite all the incredible programs available to the public, much of the non-sailing world still has a lot of misperceptions about accessibility.
Cost is not the barrier. In the San Francisco Bay area where I live, we have Cal Sailing Club which you can join for $99 for 3 months and you can sail every day – about $1/day. On Lake Merritt in downtown Oakland, the public can rent a Sunfish for $12/hour or a catamaran for $20/hour within walking distance of downtown office and apartment buildings. I also know that Community Boating Boston has a full year membership for $289.
Sign up for Summer Sailstice here and Read more here.
