Tag Archives: Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors

TISC Outreach & Inclusion – Best in the Nation

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TISC received a HUGE recognition from US Sailing at their National Symposium held in Austin, TX last month.  Our team was recognized for “their significant efforts in creating access to the water for thousands of SF Bay youth and adults”.

Travis Lund with Trice Kilroy Receiving USS AwardThis year’s award was extra special as it was recently renamed in honor of Mr. John B. “Jim” Kilroy, Sr. While Mr. Kilroy had much success in his life – a prominent California real estate developer who was also a champion yachtsman and renowned philanthropist – the success he most cherished was sharing the sport he loved with youth who may not otherwise have the opportunity to sail. He lived by his mother’s philosophy, “If successful, you carry others with you for the benefit of mankind.”

At the risk of sounding over-dramatic, this is a BIG DEAL!  And while I admit to being completely non-objective, this award was WELL DESERVED. TISC was singled out for making “notable contributions in promoting public access sailing by identifying and actively including people who would normally have no access to sailing.  In 2016 alone, 3,600 children, youth and adults sailed, paddled or kayaked on Clipper Cove in San Francisco Bay through TISC programs.”

TISC-EAST-Women_Hiking-crvTwo recent TISC initiatives, both enabled by generous grants from the St. Francis Sailing Foundation, were highlighted for special attention.  The development of a high school racing team for Oakland’s Envision Academy was launched in partnership with OCSC Sailing School.

And Set Sail Learn, a one-day exploration trip for San Francisco fourth graders that incorporates sailing into a hands-on STEM curriculum, fosters learning and a love for San Francisco Bay.TISC-SSL_ActivityCenter

2-IMG_3051So “thumbs up” for our full-time staff, summer instructors, volunteers, and tenants.  And especially to our sponsors, grantors and many individual donors.  6-IMG_2989Without YOUR time, effort and financial support we would never have been able to provide these sailors, kayakers and paddlers with life changing opportunities.  YOU have enabled so many to touch the Bay, grab seaweed in their hands, learn about the history and power of the wind and become nature advocates and caretakers for decades to come. Many with TISC-provided scholarships.

YOU should feel part ownership in the 2016 US Sailing “Jim Kilroy Outstanding Outreach & Inclusion Award.

If TISC had not “reached out and brought in” over the last six years, many of the 16,000 smiles that lit up Clipper Cove would not have happened.  And speaking of Clipper Cove, none of these smiles would be possible without the star of our show- Clipper Cove.  Here’s a bit of history plus additional photos of “The Cove”.TISC-SSL-OnClipperCove

Below we’ve captured the wide range of Bay Area residents TISC reached out to and the 2016 programs that drew them in.

IMG_30271,317 Fourth graders from 35 San Francisco Public Schools attended one of the 161 Set Sail Learn STEM experiential learning classes provided at no charge by TISC.  This unique and innovative program, designed to meet California Core standards, is a one-day exploration trip incorporating curriculum-aligned science and math learning, together with sailing on San Francisco Bay.

2-John Yehall Chin Elementary School Marks 4,244 SSL Students at TISCOver 4,200 students from 35 SFUSD schools attended one of 161 classes since the first class in 2013.

432 youth and teens participated in spring, summer and fall sailing / adaptive lessons. TISC uses a 5-level progression to teach life lessons including goal setting, communications teamwork and leadership while instilling feelings of respect, self-esteem and self-reliance in its students.2-IMG_4143

Over half of these students received scholarships to enable them to participate in these week-long programs. Ages range from 6 year-old “harbor seals” to youth racers and on to junior instructors who return to TISC as full instructors.7-IMG_4864IMG_4896

Their “Co-Able” sailing lessons, run in partnership with the Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors, team youth with physical or emotional disabilities with partners with complimentary or no disabilities; together both can learn the joys of independent sailing.OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

3-IMG_0729-cr431 youth participated in orientation and after-school “first sails”.  TISC has reached out to nearly 60 San Francisco organizations who work with at-risk youth to provide them with outdoor activities, role models and an opportunity to learn about and enjoy the bay.  Most participants are on scholarship, and many students return for additional classes.

884 adults, many with their families, attended one or more Community Sailing activity hosted by TISC. Opening day in the spring, offering free sailing, kayaking and paddle boarding, as well as land-based games, crafts and life jackets, is by far the largest single event sponsored by TISC. IMG_0680

IMG_4799The local V15 fleet races on Clipper Cove as well and promote “last to first” races that encourage youth to crew with experienced racers who are then awarded bonus points for providing budding racers the opportunity to participate in Thursday night racing on Clipper Cove. Adult keelboat classes, the newly formed Social Sailing League and the recently launched adult dinghy racing classes round out the TISC adult programs.

495 high school and college racers, coaches and parents practiced or raced on Clipper Cove which provides a unique combination of protected, current-free water with good winds and access to docks. 2016-02-21-13-10-41

 

Most notably TISC teamed with OCSC in 2014 to launch a high school racing team which provided students from Envision Academy, in Oakland, with the 2-IMG_1526-enopportunity to learn to swim, sail and race.  The Academy has a tremendous track record for placing their seniors in college.  The Envision Academy Sailing Team (E*A*S*T) provides not only life skills, but also an extra boost and racing experience these young sailors can take with them to college – a big plus for making new friends and expanding their secondary school experience. And to provide these students with additional incentive as well as social connections to stay in school.

The photos above are just a few of the many ways TISC creates ambassadors for Mother Nature and advocates for clean oceans and a sustainable environment. Our outreach to Bay area youth and adults extends well beyond the over-18,000 of smiles we’ve generated in just the last six years alone.

Regards from On The Cove,  Dave G

In the wake:

  • The TISC News Release with additional details is HERE.
  • You can Read the St. Francis Sailing Foundation News Release.
  • Jim Kilroy was remembered by Scuttlebutt Sailing News
  • Jim Kilroy’s obituary in the New York Times included many unique and inspiring philosophies taken from his decades of successful sailing as well as his business successes.  The one facet of his philosophy that really struck home with me was:  “Mr. Kilroy was known for carrying an all-amateur crew that, at his insistence, would sail with him full-time for no more than three years.  Afterward, the young sailors, numbering more than 600 over the years, were meant to pursue their own careers”.

Double Your Sailing Donation – Sponsor a Child

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IMG_1849A generous grant from the St. Francis Sailing Foundation could provide $10,000 for our children and youth programs.  We need to match this $5,000 challenge grant by year- end. Can you please help us help a child learn to sail?

Every $1 you donate by December 31st means our youth programs will receive a $2 contribution toward children and youth sailing programs, community outreach and our innovative Sailing into Schools programs for 4th graders.  To fully cash in on this matching grant we need to match the $5,000 challenge by the end of the year (Donate On-Line HERE).IMG_1798_resize

 Here’s what your donation ++ match could mean to an underserved Bay Area child:

  • Your $540++ donation provides instructors and skippers for TWO Set Sail Learn classes for thirty 4th graders
  • Your $350++ donation provides a full week of summer camp for TWO kids
  • Your $250++ donations provides SSL bus transportation for THIRTY 4th graders
  • Your $175++ donation provides a group orientation sail for TEN youth
  • Your $70++ donation provides a full day of summer sailing lessons for TWO kids
  • Your $25++ donation provides a group orientation sail for TWO kids

Our goal is to raise $5,000 in the next five weeks in order to match every dollar in this gracious donation.  The resulting $10,000 would mean a lot to kids who depend on TISC fundraising to provide them with the opportunity to learn important life lessons through sailing.

As you plan your year-end giving please consider support for a child, or a group of after-school students or a class of 4th graders.  Your donation in any amount (perhaps your employer has a matching-gift program as well?) is greatly appreciated and can be made quickly and simply using the TISC Secure On-Line Donation Page.

Regards from On the Cove, Dave G

In the wake:

TISC uses sailing as a platform to teach life lessons including goal setting, teamwork, communications, and leadership.  Our higher level objectives are to provide access to the bay, instill a feeling of stewardship, and develop self-esteem.  We raise money for scholarships so that no child is ever turned away in order to reach these objectives.  We’ve included a few 2014 smiles from kids who benefited from your 2013 generosity.

Goal setting is one of the first life lessons taught in our classes. Sailing up wind is not obvious to newbie sailors. That is often one of the first goals – sail west toward San Francisco. These kids mastered that skill.TISC - upwind

Teamwork is the easiest of the skills we teach because sailing is all about working together. Setting up, crewing, hauling out and cleaning up all work much better when teamwork kicks in. Parents are a valuable part of our team and often join in for special event.IMG_1141_resize IMG_1731_resize

IMG_0845_resizeParents are a valuable part of our team and often join in for special event.IMG_9591_resize

three hansas_resizeOur first co-able class took teamwork to a whole new level by forming teams of kids with varying levels and types of disabilities to work together as first-time sailors. TISC joined forces with Bay Area Association of Disable Sailors last summer to run the first-ever Co-Able Sailing Camp on San Francisco Bay.

Communications between skipper and crew can be difficult with new sailors. We often team up more experienced with less experienced kids. Its not unusual to find one of our instructors or junior instructors to hop in a boat with kids to help them tune up these skills.IMG_0826_resize IMG_0830_resize

Leadership skills emerge as experience builds. We see it in small ways weekly and over the course of the summer in our older youth. Many TISC junior instructors have “come up through the ranks” to become excellent full time instructors.IMG_1764-cr_resize

Confidence and self esteem are some of the most important byproducts the TISC sailing program. Many of our summer students have not sailed before their first week of classes. Some have been around the water, most have not. Drills such as capsizing can be scary. After several days I’m amazed at how many kids proclaim “capsizing was the best part of the day”. Confidence at its best!IMG_0662_resize righting a bug - 4533_resize

Community outreach programs provide Bay Area Children and Youth with the opportunity to enjoy San Francisco Bay from aboard a sailboat. These programs run nearly all year long and provide opportunities with youth from over 35 of our partners after school in the spring and fall and during the summer.IMG_1856_resize IMG_1743_resize

smiles framed by bay bridgeWe partner with agencies who provide outreach and learning for youth as well as children. These soon-to-be young adults are an ideal age to understand all about bay ecology and stewardship.  They “get it”.three smiles fwd of mast_resize Tioga_resize two j24 framed by breakwall-cr-2_resize Bow Happy-cr_resize

Our Set Sail Learn (SSL) classes provide opportunities to get on the bay – to touch the water, grab a handful of seaweed and take a look at Clipper Cove “residents” large and small. These kids leave with a much better appreciation of the water, wind, tide, sailboats and creatures who hang out here. Great way to develop future bay stewards!IMG_4117_resize JYC Seaweed DiscoveryIMG_4010_resize IMG_9619_resize

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Our innovative SSL experiential learning classes also provide an opportunity for kids to communicate with their classmates and lead discussions. presentation team 2_resize Presentation timeIMG_3956_resizeTISC provides curriculum, bus transportation, instructors, boats and skippers at no charge to SFUSD fourth grade classes.

TISC & BAADS Launch First Co-Able Summer Camp

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Pairing kids with and without disabilities at summer camp – not new.  Launching co-able kids in boats on San Francisco Bay – requires speciall skills and planning.  TISC and BAADS partnered to launch the first camp.  Spots remain for the last session.

two hansasWe mentioned the first-ever Co-Able Sailing Camp in a previous blog.  The concept is simple: teach sailing to interested kids by pairing disabled and non-disabled youth who can learn together and support each other.

To launch this program the Bay Area Association of Disable Sailors provided the accessable dock space, safety boats and Hansa dinghies.  Treasure Island Sailing Center provided two US Sailing Certified instructors and the curriculum for the one-week session.

The Hansa 303 dinghies are unique.  Then enable two sailors to sit side-by-side with either being able to steer the boat or trim the sails.  Safe, ideal boats for these co-able sessions.

co-able smiles with MM

Mary Margaret SupervisesThe objective of the camp was to teach kids how to sail so they could safely navigate the area between Pier 40 and McCovey Cove safely in a sloop-rigged sailboat. One instructor was close-by in a safety boat at all times. Classes started at 9:00, broke for lunch at noon then sailed in the afternoon until 2:00 pm.  Lunch was either sandwiches on the dock or (kids favorite BY FAR) pizza delivered to the 3rd street bridge across from China Park.

Connor Fly By - 1
In some cases one instructor joined the kids to demonstrate the capabilities of the Hansa 303 dinghy.  As these pictures taken from the safety boat show, the instructors had a great time teaching life lessons through sailing these Hansa dinghies next to the students.
Connor Fly By -2
Connor Fly By -3
As was always the case, a safety boat was nearby when the kids were on the water.  Of the water class topics included tides, currents, nautical terminology and rules of the road.Co-Able Kids by safety boat

Here are additional pictures taken during the week-long session, showing off smiles as well as formation sailing. windward leewardBAADS and Java HouseAt the time this blog was published there were a couple of spots remaining in the last 2014 session (for 12-18 year olds) which will run from August 4-8 .  Additional details and a downloadable registration form are located HERE.  Please contact Chris Childers at the TISC office (Phone: 415.421.2225; Email: Programs@tisailing.org) if you have questions. While there is no charge for the classes there is a required $25 deposit refundable at the end of the session.

Thanks and a tip of the hat to TISC instructors Connor Vliet and Mary Margaret Clawson for running the first session and providing the pictures in this blog.  And to the kids who joined us for this first-ever Co-Able Summer Camp Session!  Co-Able Kids at Pier 40

Regards, from On (McCovey) Cove and the ADA accessible BAADS dock at Pier 40,

Dave G

TISC Instructors Train, Team Up and Reach Out

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Summer sessions starts today. Our instructors reported last week for training on safety procedures, fleet familiarization and our multi-step curriculum. Team building is a key ingredient. They spent Thursday afternoon at Pier 40 to prepare for summer co-able classes.

MOB framed by western spanMOB pick upFollowing safety briefings and a shore-side orientation Monday morning, instructors were off to Clipper Cove and San Francisco Bay. The old Bay Bridge Eastern Span demolition provided a backdrop to man overboard drills.

TISC instructors teach much more than sailing.  They teach life lessons that include goal setting, communications, team work and leadership.

Our team has many skills from off-shore to around-the-buoys racing, keel boats to small dinghies –  and experience garnered from teaching in all parts of the country.  Along with USSailing certification.

Teambuilding was a key part of last week’s training.  At times the training, practice and ice-breaking went beyond just TISC instructors.  On Thursday members of the TI Job Corps took a break from their work on finishing the deck outside the new SS Learn activity center to work with our instructors to raise a tent, move picnic tables and drop in a carpet for summer school shore lessons and lunch breaks.  They joined our instructors for an informal BBQ lunch.

TISC Tent TeamworkThursday afternoon our instructors headed to a Pier 40 orientation sessions in anticipation of the three BAADS / Treasure Island Sailing Center Co-Able Sailing Summer Sessions scheduled for this summer. TISC is partnering with Bay Area Association of Disable Sailors to host these sessions for disabled youth.

TISC 2014 Instructors at Pier 40

TISC 2014 Summer Instructors: Chris, Bohdan, Connor, Jon, Kevin, Sonya, Lauren, Ivan, Annie, Mary Margaret, Clair and Gabby

We’ll provide instructors, curriculum and manage the logistics for this unique no-charge outreach program combining students with and without disabilities empowering them to assist each other to become independent sailors.  BAADS will provide the Hansa 303 dinghies, motorboats and access to Pier 40 accessible dinghy dock.

Responsibility, respect and self esteem are key words at TISC.  Our instructors understand safety is always Job One, and their primary responsibility.  They will set the standard of respect for boats and facilities and for each other – and will expect the same from their students.  Students leave our programs with higher levels of self esteem whether they are here for a week or a month; many return as Junior Instructors.

Sailing is the platform we use to teach life lessons. Mother Nature is always present, sometimes whispering and sometimes shouting.  Never predictable; another reason TISC students are fortunate to have a team of instructors dedicated to providing a safe, positive and memorable experience for 1,000-plus kids.

Regards, from On The Cove, D-

In the wake:

Providing wheel chair access from a fixed pier to water that moves up and down over a range of eight feet takes serious engineering.  As you can see from the picture below the dinghy dock at Pier 40 (located between Pier 40 and AT&T Park) has that capability.  We look forward to the day when TISC relocates as development on Treasure Island continues.  For now we don’t have that flexibility and are psyched to work with BAADS to start up this summer’s unique co-able sailing program.Pier 40Pier 40 ramp ATT Park

 

 

Opening Day: Sails, Paddles and Smiles On Clipper Cove

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Saturday’s Opening Day Featured blue skies, steady winds, eight sails, a bunch of kayaks & paddleboards, and hundreds of smiles. Our supportive volunteer force worked Wednesday through Saturday.  Kudos to our TISC team for a job well done!Kayak J24 Bridge

Opening day was combined with Safe Boating Day this year. The rain on Friday was unusual however the Cal Sailing Team showed up to finish the set up anyway, then returned first thing Saturday to make sure all was ready and greet visitors.  No way this event happens without their dedicated support.

Parents and students also turned out in force to help set up and manage beach logistics.  It was great to see them having fun while giving back. Thanks also to the Life Learning Academy volunteers.Parents Setting Up

MadisonThere are many, many, many moving parts to opening day.  Some happen in real time, some must be ready days, weeks or months in advance. Madison Gattis, our Director of Operations, has been on this since the beginning of the year.

 

ChrisOnce the day started Chris Childers, our Programs Director, oversaw the boats, dock workers and hundreds of guests on Clipper Cove.  New this year was the use of the west beach for the water toys with launches transporting guests to/from the docks to the beach.

AnnieAnnie Butts, our Head Instructor, had her hands full with driving, coordinating crash boats and answering lots of volunteer questions. Thanks also for her many hours of boat prep prior to the event.RS Ventures Ready

  • Staging the paddleboards and kayaks at the beach and using launches to ferry people to and from was a great idea.  This plan provided a completely separate venue and afforded a different view and experience for non-sailors.  Not everyone came to sail, yet everyone enjoyed being on Clipper Cove. Here again, volunteers were in place to help ensure safety.Beach Girl

Beach Hands

 

 

 

 

 

The old Eastern Span of the Bay Bridge is being deconstructed.  You can see the initial gap which will continue to widen over time.Bay Bridge Deconstruction

Bay Bridge Framed by J24

The highlights of the day were the huge smiles, compliments, high-fives and sincere thanks from the many guests (we stopped counting sometime after 500) who attended Opening Day 2014.  Some were repeats from last year; many were new to Clipper Cove and wanted to bring their families out for awesome time on the water courtesy of Treasure Island Sailing Center.Painted Face with Wind in HairYoung Driver West Coast Sailing

Skipper in TrainingThree Smiles on Deck-resize Four sail boats departed the docks every fifteen minutes from 11:30 until 3pm. Do the math;  that’s over 300 opening day sailboat rides.  Our volunteers registered all these people, gave them a safety briefing, fitted life jackets and escorted them to and from the docks for embarking and disembarking the five J24s and three RS Ventures. Many thanks to the TI Vanguard and Laser fleets, Cal Sailing, TISC tenants, and Bay Area Association of Disable Sailors for keeping managing the constant flow on the ramps and docks.  Special thanks to the V15 and Laser sailers for setting up the tent (and taking it down tomorrow).Dock Boarding Instructions Dock Lined up to Sail Dock Volunteer

Mother Nature favored us with a gorgeous day.  Rather windy toward the afternoon, which put an even higher premium on the efforts from Cal Sailing team who helped with dock logistics the entire day.  Here are three smiling faces who greeted just about all my guests; this was taken after my last trip – they’re still smiling!Smiling Cal Dock Hands

Regards, from On The Cove,

Dave G

In the wake:

Many of the great pictures above, including the first which captured the variety of the day framed by the new Bay Bridge Eastern Section, were courtesy of Valerie Santorini from Golden Gate Yacht Club.  She and other GGYC volunteers spent the entire day On Clipper Cove ferrying guests from the dock to the beach while taking great pictures.  Thank You Val !!