GGYC’S HIGH SCHOOL SAILING PROGRAM

Director: Dave Santori
contact: davesantori@gmail.com, (510) 693-9104

THE RACE TEAM

The Golden Gate Youth Sailing Foundation’s High School Program specializes in teaching sailing to 8th - 12th grade students of San Francisco schools (public and private). Students from many SF schools over the last eight years have formed parent-organized teams to compete in the Pacific Coast Interscholastic Sailing Association league. Teams include Lowell, School of the Arts, Gateway and City Arts & Technology. Students from other San Francisco high schools often form teams with just one other person from their school - paired with another school to compete in NorCal regattas as full teams, or in PCISA as developing teams. Others may still compete in the summer Bay Area Youth Sailing (BAYS) league, which has no school requirement. The High School Program has no affiliation of any kind with the SFUSD or its contingencies, but is an excellent option for PE credits.
We feel that competition prepares the sailor for more situations that practice alone, and it provides opportunities for leadership, confidence building, and solid boating skills. We maintain a fleet of six class legal Flying Juniors (CFJs) and have two C420’s in the works, and will add equipment as funding allows, and space permits.

Some of our sailors arrive with considerable sailing experience while others arrive as beginners. As students gain skills and participate regularly in regattas, they become Youth Sailing members of the Golden Gate Yacht Club. All students are responsible for helping to maintain the facilities, safety gear, tools, junior dock, "Junior Warehouse", and our fleet. Students are also responsible for recruitment of new team members from their respective schools. Leadership roles as a team captain can add to a student's resume and references for college.

GGYC's High School Sailing coach, Dan Brandt, is a much-sought Bay Area coach, and mentor for high velocity 29er & 49er skiffs. The team would not exist without the enduring support of volunteer club members and parents: countless hours of driving, planning, e-mailing and coach support. Our most ardent fans are the Flag Officers and club members of the Golden Gate Yacht Club, who have substantially lowered the cost barrier to sailing for our city's youth.

WHEN

Weekday practices are held on most Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. to dusk.

WHERE

Golden Gate Yacht Club Junior Dock, 1 Yacht Road, SF

FEES

The bulk of Program costs are born by GGYC Youth Sailing Foundation, funds raised by member/parent coordinated events and member donations. Students, except for 8th-graders, will pay a nominal annual fee to help offset the cost of lost and broken boat parts and regatta logistics. Competitors will also pay their own regatta fees, usually about $25 each. Regattas outside the Bay Area may also require hotel, travel & food expenses.

REQUIREMENTS

Enthusiasm, commitment, and a sincere desire to learn to sail, plus the ability to swim, are required. All participants and parents must sign current season permission forms as follows:

* Consent and Liability Form
* Medical Information and Directives
* Student Information Form

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

You will need (mandatory) a Coast Guard Type III approved PFD (life jacket) designed for dingy racing and a wet suit. Dinghy boots, spray jacket, and sailing gloves are highly recommended. Life jackets are available to borrow but participants are encouraged to purchase their own gear. Sail clothing can be purchased at any West Marine, Svendsens Chandlery in Alameda, or online with WestCoastSailing.com. We can assist those in need in most cases.

PLEASE DONATE!

The Golden Gate Yacht Club Youth Sailing Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization as determined by the Internal Revenue Service. Donations are tax deductible and may be made by check or Visa at Golden Gate Yacht Club. We hope that you will keep us in mind when you are making your charitable contributions this year. Please also consider sponsoring a team for a regatta or for gear (life jackets & wetsuits) for a season.