The Youth Sailing Foundation last week treated 12 lucky members of the Boys and Girls Club of Indian River County’s Vero Beach club to one of its week-long summer sailing camps, held at The Moorings Yacht and Country Club. These children were just the latest fleet of eager youngsters experiencing the thrill of sailing, thanks to the volunteer-driven organization and its generous donors.
Although none of the campers had any previous sailing experience, they were in highly capable hands. Staff included Alden Findley, founder and captain of the new Vero Beach High School Sailing Club, and other team members.
“With the exception of our camp manager, Devon Conde, all the staff grew up through our program; they’re Level 1 U.S. Sailing instructors,” explained Chris Pope, who oversees the eight sailing camps. Husband Charlie Pope is YSF’s Executive Chairman/Director. “They’re all homegrown kids who are helping us. We hope that they will go on to become our instructors during the school year.”
By Thursday, their young wards – both boys and girls – had become confident on the water, although several admitted to some nervousness at first, especially about potential creatures swimming nearby.
“At the beginning, they said there were no animals in the water, but the next day they said there were bull sharks and alligators and dolphins and manatees,” said Ryan, 11, adding with a laugh, “They just told us there weren’t any so we would do the capsize.”
Each student had to first pass a swim test and participate in capsize drills, learning how to tip the boat over and right it themselves. They also received classroom instruction on sailing basics, knot tying and rigging assembly. On the water, they learned, as Jake, 12, explained, how to use the wind to your advantage and, as 10-year old Anthony added, how not to get hit by the boom.
“It’s pretty cool having my friends there with me and having fun with the staff teaching us how to go around a figure-eight course,” said Demarcus,10.
Over the past five years, YSF has provided camp scholarships to children in need, ages 8 through 13, through organizations such as Youth Guidance and Hibiscus Children’s Center. But as Pope explained, this was the first time devoting a whole week to one agency. “We’re really excited about this week. And the kids all said they’re having a ball,” she added.
“I’m so happy that Charlie thought of us. I hope that we can continue next year,” said Elizabeth Thomason, B&GC Executive Director. “It’s just a wonderful thing that they’re doing for the community, giving to kids who wouldn’t otherwise have access to the water let alone the rules of sailing.”
Individual donors funded roughly 25 camp scholarships, including those for the Boys and Girls Club. “The whole organization still runs on private donations,” said Pope. “It’s thanks to the generosity of the community that we’re still here.”
YSF has greatly expanded its reach since its 2009 founding. On Saturdays throughout the school year the organization offers free beginning sailing instruction to children ages 9 to 14 on 8-foot wooden Optimist sailboats, and to older, advanced youth in 420 fiberglass boats. There is also an Adult Sailing program using 12-foot-long Trinka sailboats; the tuition from those classes help fund the free children’s lessons.
