It was anchors aweigh during the Youth Sailing Foundation Rock the Boat fundraiser at the Quail Valley River Club, where attendees supported the organization’s mission to provide educational and recreational sailing programs to people of all ages and abilities, from beginner to competitive sailing.
Guests gathered poolside for cocktails before moving to the docks at the marina for a sailing demonstration by some of the young program participants to show off their skills.
Later, auctioneer John Moore steered the crowd with the finesse of an old, salty sea dog as he enticed them to support the nonprofit. Rather than bid on vacation packages and wine dinners, attendees could earmark their donations toward specific aspects of YSF, including sailing scholarships, coaching, the adaptive sailing program for youth and adults with special needs, and through boat naming opportunities.
“We teach children life skills, and we do it through the medium of sailing. When a young person steps onto a sailboat and pushes off against the beach, something amazing happens. Suddenly, they’re in charge,” said Bill Krueger, outgoing YSF board chair, who has passed the helm to Skip Willauer.
With their hands on the tiller, the children learn sailing and decision-making skills, teamwork, and gain confidence both on and off the water.
“They have to make decisions. They have to judge the wind. In many cases, they have to work with their crew. And it’s in those moments that they learn independence, responsibility and teamwork,” he continued, adding that seeing their self-assurance soar is particularly gratifying.
“Confidence and resilience are essential ingredients for a successful life,” said Krueger.
Clark Lewis, director of sailing, pointed out that more than 90 percent of their students come from homes where they would otherwise have absolutely no opportunity to get involved in water-based learning and educational programs.
“What we do is absolutely important,” said Lewis.
Over the past year, 358 children participated in YSF programs, more than in any prior year.
Stu Keiller, YSF project manager and interim executive director, gave an update on the construction progress of the new YSF Community Sailing Center, which they hope will have its grand opening in December. The 10,000-square-foot, two-story facility will also have an outdoor classroom and recreational pavilion, picnic areas, 250 feet of floating docks, and dinghy launch ramps.
The new facility will serve as the permanent launching point for more local youth to push off from the shore, find their independence, and sail toward a more confident future.
For more information, visit ysfirc.org.
Photos by Amy Saville
