Summer Sailing Reflections

Summer Reflections

As our busy summer camp season winds down, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the past few months and the ways our community offers something special and brings out the best in everyone who participates.

Campers:
Joy, Confidence & Discovery

Seeing campers grow and learn is one of the most incredible things about SEA’s youth programs. It’s inspiring to watch both younger and older kids transform over the course of a week or two.

From the first day of mini camp, when our youngest campers walk slowly down the ramp at Loch Lomond - holding a parent’s hand, unsure of what’s about to happen. Maybe they’ve never been in a sailboat. Maybe they’re a little scared of the water. By the end of the week, they’re practically running (but of course not!) down the ramp to grab their life jacket, smiling, greeting the counselors, and begging to get out on the water as fast as possible.

Or in Basic/Intermediate, older campers might start off standing hesitantly on the edge of our teaching tent, quietly wondering what’s ahead. They’re not so young that they’ll voice their fears - but still uncertain and cautious. After two weeks of capsizes, adventure sails, and more, we get to stand by and watch them proudly bundle their parents into a Zest to show off their skills—blowing them away with a flurry of words like tack, gybe, and bowline.

I’m lucky to watch this all unfold. Some days I get front-row seats. Other times I hear the stories secondhand from staff or receive enthusiastic feedback from parents. One thing stands out through all the registration frenzies, staffing puzzles, and boat logistics: SEA isn’t just teaching sailing or giving parents a healthy, active place for their kids to spend time. We’re building confidence, curiosity, community, and lifelong memories for everyone involved.

Youth Instructors:
Mentors on the Water

Our camps wouldn’t be what they are without our youth instructors. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with them, support them, and watch them shine.

I say this often—these are some of the most thoughtful, caring, and dedicated young people I’ve ever met. When I hear them debrief the day -discussing learning outcomes, camper conflicts, or how to handle a weather change - I’m constantly impressed by their awareness and commitment.

From our Head Counselors to our JCs, they bring their love of sailing and interest in leadership to camp every day.

Do we have challenges? Do they make the wrong call sometimes? Of course. But just as often as I offer advice, I take it in. These instructors have grown up on the water. They’ve experienced the ups and downs of sailing camp themselves. They’ve been mentored by others and absorbed the leadership values SEA aims to pass on.

Volunteers:
The Heart of SEA

Our volunteers are the backbone of SEA. Not everyone sees all that they do because a lot of it happens quietly, in between camps or open sails. But I do. And let me tell you: the work they do makes a huge difference every day.

Whether it’s a big project like an all-day haul-out and bottom painting, or a hundred smaller tasks like replacing cleats, getting gas, or moving boats, they keep our fleet in shape and our programs running.

But this commitment doesn’t end with the dirty work of boat maintenance.

Our adult classes are taught by skilled volunteers who spend four days sharing their experience and helping new sailors gain confidence and joy on the water.

We also rely on passionate volunteers to help plan events like Sailstice, China Camp, and Angel Island trips. These gatherings wouldn’t happen without folks stepping up.

I’m lucky to know so many of these people. Their energy and enthusiasm make everything we do better - and a lot more fun.

Looking Forward

As we close out another full and rewarding summer, I want to thank everyone who helped make the season - and the whole year - a success. From our dedicated instructors and curious, capable campers to the parents, volunteers, members, and partners who support us in countless ways—this community keeps SEA going.

Whether it was our team and volunteers leading a chalk talk, fixing an clogged engine, organizing a potluck; or our families, members, and students supporting their kids , taking the plunge on a new sailing class, or simply showing up at open-sail or a group sail with enthusiasm - everyone played a part in making SEA the hands-on, community-centered, and joyful program it is.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to keep the momentum going with more group sails, improved open sails, expanded keelboat activity, new afterschool programs, and grant-supported youth initiatives.

I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and eager for what’s ahead. I hope you are too.

With gratitude,

Kif

Recent Member Events

Angel Island

On the morning of July 19th, four member boats set out with 22 people aboard. Matchless, Nimros, and the boat formerly known as Jeanne departed from Loch Lomond, while Bettina sailed from Berkeley. Though the morning started off gray, the winds were favorable. By the time we reached Angel Island, the sun had broken through.

We shared a relaxed potluck, and got to participate in the renaming of Jeanne to Sunshine before bundling back into boats to make our way home. Big thanks to Kurt for organizing, and to Vertican Technologies for their sponsorship.

Interested in being part of
our Community?

Join SEA

Summer Reflections

Campers:Joy, Confidence & Discovery

Youth Instructors:Mentors on the Water

Volunteers: The Heart of SEA