Hanson Bridgett, PG&E Teamwork Benefits TISC Youth Programs

IMG_3452_resizeMother Nature delivered breezy blue skies. Hanson Bridgett and PG&E delivered agile crew. Youth and adaptive sailors who call Clipper Cove home port were the real winners in TISC’s Big Team Regatta thanks to OCSC’s fast boats and excellent coaches.

IMG_3175Friday was all about teamwork. Following a safety briefing from our regatta PRO Tim Han crews from Hanson Bridgett and PG&E boarded sleek OCSC J/105’s then headed out to Berkeley Circle to battle the clock as they learned all about apparent wind, tacking angles, winch handles and the physics of sailing.

The objective: sail a triangular shaped slalom course faster than the other team.IMG_3195

Conclusions: practices pays off, working as a team is key and boats sail faster as the wind builds. Oh – and sailing J/105’s on San Francisco Bay is wicked awesome fun ! Especially when you have expert OCSC coaches trained in teambuilding on your boat to guide you around the course.

Peet’s Coffee in Berkeley once again contributed the morning Java for BTR.  Thanks to 49 Square Catering the contestants were well fed prior to Tim Han’s pre-race briefing.IMG_3169

The Hanson Bridgett team after the safety briefing. You can read more about Hanson Bridgett and their community involvement HERE.IMG_3209The PG&E team gets psyched for the day of racing.  The PG&E Community Service page is HERE.IMG_3218

The early morning breezes provided a good warm up to the boats and provided the crews time to work out optimum positions and responsibilities.  Once on the water the OCSC instructors took charge of converting the newbie crews into racing teams.  Ashley Tobin and Jim Watters coached the Hanson Bridget team; Rich Jepsen and Trevor Steel teamed up to train the team from PG&E.

Early sailing was framed by light breezes and fluffy blue clouds.

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Around noon the westerly filled in and continued to build into a 10-15knot breeze by 2pm.The two crews were soon actively engaged in all aspects of boat handling from grinding genoas to trimming the mains to holding a proper course while beating upwind and reaching off the wind.IMG_3450_resize IMG_3418_resize

As the racing progressed the J/105’s really came to life, especially on the upwind legs. Teamwork was the only way to complete the tacking needed to navigate the windward slalom course.  Off the wind sail trim and straight courses were the way to beat the clock.IMG_3501_resize IMG_3473 IMG_3469

The races were held on the Berkeley Circle. Backdrops were provided by the Golden Gate Bridge and the loading cranes on The Alameda just south of the Bay Bridge. IMG_3420

IMG_3409The old eastern section of the Bay Bridge is still be dismantled. In less than two years the bike path – now open from Oakland to the Bay Bridge Summit – will lead to a drop-down path to Yerba Buena Island and Treasure Island.

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By the last time trial both teams had dropped their times from 12+ minutes to just over 9 minutes. While the fastest time was turned in by PG&E the records will show the margin of victory was around 3% and the Hanson Bridgett team left the course believing they would have knocked another 15 seconds off their time had they been able to run one more trial in the ever-building wind.

After the racing the team from 49 Square Catering served up a hearty lunch with massive sandwiches, salads and more fresh fruit. BIG THANKS to Bay Ship and Yacht for sponsoring the lunch for crew, race committee and coaches. Your support of our programs is greatly appreciated.

Lots of behind-the-scene planning went into Friday’s event – our Tenth Annual BTR – which was led by our shore team: Annie Butts, Chris Childers, Travis Lund and Luxine Smith.

Huge thanks go out to Tim Han for taking charge of the planning at OCSC. He was ably assisted by John Mellen as they kept track of two sets of times as both racing teams were on the course nearly non-stop for two hours.IMG_3326

Our special guests for the day were a number of kids from Envision Academy who joined us for the awards ceremony and presentation of the check from Hanson Bridgett and PG&E to Treasure Island Sailing Center.

The $12,000 raised goes directly to the youth and adaptive programs at TISC. Many Envision youth attended summer sailing camps and orientation. IMG_3517_resize

They have formed a racing team – EAST for Envision Academy Sailing Team – and are developing their skills in sailing, communications, teamwork and racing techniques. You may have read our previous blog on teamwork – one of the many life lessons taught by TISC using sailing as a fun classroom.IMG_3527_resize

Thanks again to Hanson Bridget and PG&E for their donations support of this 10th annual Big Team Regatta. These two companies have been on the BTR circuit supporting TISC since the regatta’s inception in 2005. And without the support of OCSC, the excitement, teamwork, camaraderie and benefits to Bay Area Youths would simply not be possible.

If your company is interested in participating in the TISC 2015 Big Team Regatta, here are a few slides in PDF format with additional information on the September 25, 2015 Event: TISC-BTR-2015 Overview  And here is the TISC 2015 BTR Team Entry Form.

Regards from OCSC – on the Berkeley Circle, Dave G

In the wake:

Hope you enjoyed the pictures above. These are a subset of the pictures taken during the event.  If you were on one of the boats, own one of the boats orare involved with our sponsors and would like to see the entire album send an email to daveg @ onclippercove . com.

TISC Teaches Life Lessons: Like Teamwork For Example

TISC uses sailing as a platform to teach life lessons including goal setting, teamwork, communications, and leadership and develop self-esteem.  We raise money for scholarships so that no child is ever turned away. This blog is about teamwork.

Teamwork can be a challenging concept out in the real world.  Working together on Clipper Cove, however, seems to come naturally to most kids.  Smiles and good times overshadow the fear of new adventures or working in a group of new friends.

Here are a few examples of teamwork in action from Treasure Island Sailing Center. A great place to start is at the beginning of the season when volunteers, many from our V15 fleet, gather to install our docks and ramps.DockInstall TeamTeamwork lowering dock section Dock Cleaning TeamAs I was reviewing teamwork pictures from the year I realized that even before the docks went in volunteers were at work transporting our J/24 fleet to and from Bay Marine Boatworks for new bottom jobs.Launch Newly Painted HullDelivery Team Bill and Peter Homeward BoundStepping masts on BUGs is first on the menu during our fall session sailing classes which started last week.Mast Stepping TeamInstructor and TeamTeamwork is required for hoisting J/24 sails.  The first picture below was from an early season outreach program with kids from the San Francisco Expeditionary School.  The second was taken during set sail exercises in anticipation of a June sail with visually impaired sailors from the Morin Sailing School Program for the Blind.Team Hoisting J24 Main Visually Impaired Orientation TeamOpening day provided many opportunities for teamwork in preparation for the 850+ visitors who attended a variety of event on land and on the water.Opening Day PrepThere are always plenty of opportunities out on the water for demonstrating teamwork whether sailing or paddling.  The Cal Berkeley Sailing Team practices at TISC during their season. They sail here and also team up with our shore-based team.

CalSailing Team Sailing Flat We launched the first-ever Co-Able sailing camp on San Francisco Bay – a partnership between Treasure Island Sailing Center and the Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors.  This unique program was run out of Pier 40.co-able smiles with MM Kayaking is another “team sport” that ranks high with TISC kids.Teamwork on KayakWhile the objective of sailing is to stay in the boat most of the time, we stress the importance of feeling comfortable in the water.  And in many cases kids just like working together to scramble from the water back into a boat.Capsize Recovery Team SF Exped. Teamwork climbing aboard

Teamwork also counts out on the water.  Friendships are built, smiles are shared.  Exciting memories last forever.IMG_0230_resize (2)IMG_0272_resize (2)IMG_0273_resize (2)

Even 4th graders who participate in SSLearn classes have the opportunity to work together and present results to classmates from recent discoveries.  Not exactly Toastmasters, however a good confidence builder. SS Learn Team Report

All good days must end.  These pictures were taken as kids returned to the dock from an expedition to the western shores of Clipper Cove ( aka “Mexico Beach).  Teamwork required all around from TISC instructors as well as their precious cargo.back from Mexico

Retrieving and washing boats usually signifies the end of a fun day On Clipper Cove.Retrieval Team Opti Recovery team Cleaning TeamAs we wind down our summer sessions we’re getting cranked up for the first SS Learn classes to start.  Thanks to the San Francisco America’s Cup Organizing Committee and Citry of San Francisco’s ONESF:Celebrate the Cup program every fourth grader in San Francisco will be able to spend a day on the bay learning about the ecology of the bay and Dungeness crabs, San Francisco maritime history, or renewable energy. And go for a sail at Treasure Island Sailing Center on Clipper Cove!
Regards, from On The Cove,   Dave G

In the wake:

Speaking of teamwork, the TISC team expanded this week as we welcomed aboard Travis Lund, our new Waterfront Director.

Thank You TISC 2014 Instructors

IMG_0685Teaching kids is always rewarding, often challenging.  Hugs to teachers everywhere!  TISC “classrooms” are dynamic in size, fluid in shape. Mother Nature may cooperate – or not. 1,300 kids sailed through TISC this summer thanks to our talented, dedicated instructors.

IMG_1756In the summer we employ full time instructors, junior instructors and those who work only part time.  Without them there would be no summer sessions, no outreach programs, and in some cases no SSLearn, our experiential learning classes for forth graders that run in the spring and fall.

IMG_1800Sonya DrivingAnyone who has volunteered their time to teach in schools or churches has likely felt really pumped up, psyched and excited after finishing a class. After teaching Lego Robotics to K-3 kids I certainly do.

And most days I’m also tired, drained, and sometimes downright exhausted.  Then I think of all those teachers who teach all day, every day, for the entire school year. Wow. Push the admiration buttonIMG_1085!

Instructors  at Treasure Island Sailing Center have a whole additional level of challenges which make their jobs even more demanding.  In addition to teaching, driving a boat, being mindful of safety as Job ONE, and being in the middle of Clipper Cove, our large variable size classroom, they also have to deal with Mother Nature.

IMG_1749Some days she may be smiling, other days she may be beguiling.  She may be kind and gentle, or simply having a really bad day. Such is the life of our awesome instructors here On Clipper Cove.

Our on-the-water team, with the support of our full-time office staff, provide a “Launching Point for New Horizons” to the kids who sail here.  We see this happening in the kids smiles, parents feedback, and financial support we receive from donors and sponsors.

IMG_0839It’s also our objective to provide a bit of a jumpstart in return.  This may take the form of possible leads to maritime employment opportunities, paths to teaching, or a wide range of marine or environmental science careers. Or something as simple as additional experience to help with a sailing scholarship or networking contact from other instructors or parents.IMG_1725

It’s hard to believe our summer sessions are over.  Seems like our instructors just finished orientation last week – in reality classes actually started 10 weeks ago.

So THANKS AGAIN to all our 2014 instructors- especially those returning from last year.  We hope to see in 2015.Claire on a Friday

 

 

 

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Regards, from On the Cove, Dave G

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the Wake:

Here’s a few more pictures of the smiles from kids who loved being at TISC because of the relationships to sailing, the water and other “best buddies” built by their instructors.  Also special thanks to our Junior Instructors. IMG_0901 IMG_0549 Co-Able Kids at Pier 40 sonya IMG_1006 IMG_1894 IMG_1784IMG_1912 IMG_1803 IMG_1766 IMG_1678

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TISC & BAADS Launch First Co-Able Summer Camp

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.

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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.
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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

37 Sailing Superlatives from Huckleberry

Huckleberry Outreach SailConnect a TISC instructor, one motivated volunteer and 11 Huckleberry Wellness Academy students with J/24′s on Clipper Cove and you get 37 Sailing Superlatives! Here’s what the kids had to say, and how you can share your passion for sailing.

The Huckleberry Wellness Academy – San Francisco is an intensive three-year health career pipeline program that fosters interest and engagement in health-related professions. It’s primarily funded by a grant from San Francisco’s Department of Children, Youth, and their Families, one of our partners.

We asked the Huckleberry students for a “one liner”  to describe their June 26th afternoon sail with us.  Below is what they had to say, interspersed with pictures from the day.Bow Happy

“I am a Huckleberry student and I had never gone sailing before, but it was amazing! Feeling the breeze and being controlled. It was really fun and I do hope to come back again. Thank you so much for this opportunity. I had a blast!” – Yasmin two j24s in open water

“It was a great experience. Probably one of the best experiences ever. I am going to buy a boat now.” – Wayland        Three smiles

“Fun, exciting, amazing, awesome, fascinating, and peaceful. It was a nice first time sailing experience. I’m definitely looking forward to sailing again!” – Wendy three smiles fwd of mast“The sailing trip was memorable, exciting, lovely, amazing, crazy and mostly fun. I had lots of fun and hopefully in the future, I’ll be able to go sailing again.” – Emely two j24 framed by breakwall

“Thanks for the awesome sailing experience! I’ve had tons of fun and learned a little on how to steer/sail a boat.” – Benton tioga with six

“I really had a great time. I enjoyed myself a lot. It was a total different experience being in such a peaceful place rather than the chaotic streets of San Francisco.” – Alex Sonya plus five“It was fun and an amazing experience. I enjoyed sailing.” – Luisapeacock watching wave  “If you haven’t sailed before you should. You can’t have the same experience elsewhere.” – Vinsonsmiles and salute

“It was fun, exhilarating, one of a kind experience, great close up view of sea lions, breathtaking experience steering the sail boat, and an amazing way to bond with others.” – Edgarsmile under the boom

“It was an amazing experience. We had loads of fun and you feel fab! It’s fantastic and awesome. I encourage everyone to go sailing – and the people were friendly.” – JudySonya Driving

Teaching life lessons through sailing is a great mission loved by everyone here at Treasure Island Sailing Center.  Our programs provide opportunities for 4th graders, make a difference for youth who sail here, and benefit tenants who call TISC home port.  Our 2014 instructors, including Sonya above, are experienced sailors and savvy teachers.

We couldn’t do what we do without the volunteers who help maintain our docks and facilities, support our many events and share their love of the water and the lessons they’ve learned with the kids, youth and adults who sail here.  Tioga, green shirt below, donated his afternoon with the Huckleberry youth on Clipper Cove and out on the bay.  These first-generation college bound students now understand a bit about the wind, sails, tides and how to steer courtesy of his passion and experiece.TiogaI encourage every tenant who can sail during the week, or on weekends when we host visually impaired sailors, to call Chris Childers in the TISC office and schedule time for on-the-water passion sharing.  I can’t think of a better way for you to meet the volunteer hours called for as part of your boat storage agreement with TISC.  And face it, no one has ever had a bad day on the bay while providing a launching point for new horizons for kids and youth !

Regards from On The Cove, D-

In the wake:

This is the first time I had to use a spreadsheet to track all the flowery adjectives and adverbs used to describe and outreach class.  Here’s the list of 37 sailing superlatives (OK, only 32 if you’re an english teacher however 44 if you add “sailing”)  I mentioned above:

Amazing (5), awesome (3), breathtaking (1), enjoyed (2), exciting (2), exhilarating (1), fab (1), fantastic (1), fascinating (1), first (1), friendly (1), fun (7), future (1), great (3), learned (1), lovely (1), memorable (1), nice (1), opportunity (1), peaceful (2)

 

 

“I had the most fun capsizing”

During lunch on our new deck last Friday, I asked a 9 year-old what was the most fun he’d had that day. His immediate smiling reply: “I had the most fun capsizing”.  Here’s my take on building self-confidence through sailing.

righting a bug - 4533Treasure Island Sailing center teaches life lessons such as goal setting, communications, teamwork and leadership through sailing.  While we can’t actually teach self-confidence it’s always our goal to have kids leave TISC with more confidence in themselves than when they arrived.

A few of our campers and outreach students can swim, a majority can’t.  With the exception of returning students, most of the younger kids and almost all of the outreach youth have never been in a boat before they set sail at TISC.  And even though it’s protected from the rollers that come down the bay, the wind does blow here on Clipper Cove.

Time and again I hear stories or see kids through my camera lens who are confused by the wind, flustered when caught “in irons”, freaked out by their first accidental gybe and nervous about that first jump off the dock into the bay or that first capsize.  Every time I hear stories from students about their accomplishments on Clipper Cove I feel proud of the job our instructors are doing to help these kids build their self-confidence on (and in) the water, which in turn boosts their self esteem.

smiles framed by bay bridge

Friday afternoons usually mean time on the beach at the western end of Clipper Cove.  Here’s a few pictures of happy, wet, sand-covered kids returning from “Mexico Beach”, including a fast way to give your wet suit a bath.

Pretty confident looking group, don’t you think !

Regards, from on the dock – On the Cove, D-

back from Mexicoz500 with 6 kids in tow6 kids on 3 kayaks smile framed by breakwater smile in the wet suit tub

 

 

 

Windy Week on Clipper and McCovey Coves

Monday morning’s high winds and cool temperature on Clipper and McCovey Coves were not normal. Didn’t bother outreach groups and students – they love feet dragging in the water and butts on the rail.  Nice view from Bay Bridge bike path.

smiles on a j24j24 framed by transamerica towerWhen high pressure areas dominate early in the morning, as they did last week, afternoon winds can build quickly into 15-20 puffs. With reefed mains on the J/24s used for outreach kids and proper coaching for the dinghy students Clipper Cove comes alive with smiles all around.

The Sunset Neighborhood Beacon Center visits to TISC are part of their summer program which serves 400 youth in elementary and middle school.  Chilly temperatures and gusty winds clearly don’t dampen their appreciation of what Mother Nature has to offer on Clipper Cove.

Treasure Island Sailing Center, through our own fundraising efforts and the generous donations from individuals and corporate sponsors, enable youths from all parts of the Bay Area to experience the fun of feet dragging in the water.  These kids leave TISC with memories to treasure and respect for the world in which we live, a world within easy view of downtown San Francisco and just under the bridge from the Port of Oakland.j24 windy feet in waterfeet in water framed by oakland cranesopti with safety boatYouth participating in one- or two-week sailing classes at TISC benefit from our top-notch team of experienced instructors, always encouraging and leading students to take the next step. Last week’s windy Monday provided a chance for true seamanship to shine through.

Early morning cat’s paws provide ample opportunity for learning about safety afloat, wind direction and capsize drills.  The afternoon breezes can excite youth about sailing and develop higher levels of confidence and self esteem.  Enter the fun of “butts on the rail” sailing in San Francisco Bay !opti in 15-18

left exit for TISCClipper Cove sailing in the morning is often a hunt for whispers of wind.  Our instructors use these normal light-air mornings for drills focused on boat handling and teamwork. You can see a video of one of these tacking drills HERE.

These pictures from last Wednesday morning were taken from the bike path on the new eastern span of the Bay Bridge. We’ve been wanting to check out this path, and were pleasantly surprised how easy it was to access – the entry point is just across Shelmound from the Emeryville IKEA store.  In a year or so this path will enable bikers to drop down to Treasure Island.  For now the path stops at the top of the bridge 185 feet above the bay.

TISC classes framed by bay bridge construction

Co-Able Kids 14-06-20It was windy last Monday over on McCovey cove as well.  Five youth joined TISC instructors  and South Beach Yacht Club volunteers to kick off the inaugural session of the first-ever Co-Able Youth Sailing Camp. Sponsored by the Bay Area Association of Disable Sailors and TISC, this summer camp will combine students with and without disabilities in such a manner that they will encourage and assist each other to become independent sailors.

More McCovey Cove smiles from the BAADS/TISC partnership in a future post.

Regards from on (Clipper and McCovey) Coves, D-

PS – Speaking of windy days, the TISC V15 and Laser fleets race every Thursday evening in the summer.  Here are a few tips on how to stay dry when sailing a dinghy in a breeze on Clipper Cove courtesy of V15 Fleet Captain Al Sargent.

In the wake: below are a few more pictures from Sunset Neighborhood Beacon District and some taken along the Bay Bridge Bike Path.

SNBC framed by Bay bridgeSNBC Smilespath to bay bridgeon the bay bridge bike path old bay bridge deconstruction

TISC Instructors Train, Team Up and Reach Out

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

 

 

Bay Marine and Signarama San Jose Deliver New J/24 Looks

The TISC J/24 fleet is sporting newly-painted hulls and crisp graphics thanks to Bay Marine Boatworks and Signarama San Jose.  This project was funded by the 34th America’s Cup and ONESF. Summer smiles now available for all San Francisco youth.Delos and Barney off to Pt. Richmond

Delos and Barney headed for Bay Marine Boatworks last October.  Five more Js followed.  The project managers, painters and yard team delivered a class job on every boat.  Even though a couple appeared as if “they had been used as rounding marks during a hard-fought regatta”, all were returned with smooth, attractive white hulls.

The team at Signarama San Jose provided design support for the bow and stern graphics as well as the registration numbers for the J/24 fleet.  They guided us through the installation of the 35 unique graphics fabricated for our project, and helped us adapt the design and layout to our RS Venture and FJ fleets.

Ol yeller - beforeThe most dramatic change was in “Ol Yeller”.  Quite a difference between the before-and-after appearance. The picture on the left was taken during a Life Learning Academy field trip last year.  The two below show the progress through the painting process and departing Bay Marine.

Ol Yeller DisapearingOl Yeller Departing Bay MarineWe’re using the same names for our new boats for now.  We’re looking for sponsors who might want to see their names or logos on our J/24 fleet.

The new look on our J/24s didn’t go unnoticed during opening day last month.  We had a number of compliments, along and a few questions about where our “new fleet” came from.paddle and sails framed by bridge J24 Cruisin

Our J/24 fleet is used for adult sailing and keelboat lessons, and for many outreach programs during the week.  Here are a few smiles from a recent San Francisco Expeditionary School day at TISC, along with our new hulls with Bay Marine Boatworks and graphics from Signarama San Jose.

bay bridge bow

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bow boys with bridge

Registration for our Summer Classes starting June 2nd is open. We still have availability in most classes, and are always looking for kids interested in developing life skills while learning to sail and enjoy the water.  The registration page for our youth summer programs is HERE.  Registration page for all programs is HERE.

At TISC we never turn a child away.  Our doors are always open to anyone or any group who has the desire to learn and grow through sailing.  Scholarship forms are here: Individual Scholarships   /    Group Scholarships

Regards, from On The Cove, D-

In the wake:

Many volunteers who helped with the J/24 transits fromTISC to Bay Marine and then. THANK YOU !

 

 

Cleveland and Feinstein Schools On Clipper Cove

crabs in trapSSLearn is in full swing at TICS. Spring classes started in April and continue through May. Fourth graders from Cleveland School and Dianne Feinstein School each spent a day at Treasure Island Sailing Center recently. Experiential learning looks like fun!

Thanks to the San Francisco America’s Cup Organizing Committee and Citry of San Francisco’s ONESF:Celebrate the Cup program every fourth grader in San Francisco will be able to spend a day on the bay learning about the ecology of the bay and Dungeness crabs, San Francisco maritime history, or renewable energy. And go for a sail at Treasure Island Sailing Center on Clipper Cove!

What makes TISC’s SSLearn experiential learning program unique is the curriculum and how it’s delivered. Each day is split into two parts: inside and outside ivan framed by oakland craneshands-on activities sharing ideas, learning about bay creatures and history, and reinforcing what’s been learned through open discussion; and time in a sailboat driving, touching the water, grabbing seaweed, and experiencing the effects of wind, tide, currents.Luxine explains

 

 

Presentation timeSan Francisco Unified School District 4th grade classes are split into two groups for their SSLearn day at TISC. While 15 kids pilot RS Venture sailboats the other group learns about crabs, ecology, math and the environment through open discussions. After lunch they switch.

Our activity center is for learning and exploring; we never refer to it as a classroom. No chairs – sometimes the kids stand for open discussion, other times they’re on the floor listening to group presentations.Activity center - three

Playing “The Oh Crab Population Game” provides a chance for outside “energy burn” while gathering statistics which the kids graph, analyze and discuss. Our ecology curriculum teaches kids about what’s needed to survive, like oxygen, food and shelter.

Kids line up representing either the environment or crabs. With backs turned (OK, some prefer to “peek”) each decides on oxygen (holding nose), food (hands on stomachs) or shelter (hands over heads). A match means more crabs – population increases. If what the crabs decide they need is not available in the environment crabs die and their population decreases.

crab game - lookingcrab game - matching

crab game - deciding
SSL Work bookEach student receives a workbook they fill out and take home with them for post-trip study. Other land-based lessons include, crab finding, compass study, and discussions about rising or falling tides. Our SSL curriculum meets California State Standards; the lesson plans identify how the materials support reading, writing, math, graphing skills, and communication to name a few.

We keep the activity center stocked with pictures and posters from sailing on and around the bay. Reference materials and “eyes on” equipment are also readily available.OTUSA poster microscope

Students get to experience the wind and water while in sailboats on Clipper Cove. Some get to steer the boat if they want to. Notice the break in the eastern span of the old Bay Bridge.correy kids drivingthree RSVs framed by old eastern span

While taking pictures I always challenge them with questions about the wind and compass directions -“Point toward Ohio”, or “Which way is West”? By the way, the Golden Gate Bridge is almost perfectly aligned north/ south, and can be seen from most points on Clipper Cove. East is that way

west is that wayWhen asked “what was your favorite part of the sail?” one student answered “I put my feet in the water.” Others were excited to find “mermaid hair” on the cove and by the dock.mermaid hair on the water

mermaid hair - on the dockMy favorite pictures from these SSL days are the kids smiles – whether on or off the water. Can never be too many of them!romell with five pointing and smilescorrey kids smiling activity center - southern view Annie four waving activity center - fiveIvan hiking

Free BusThese classes are provided at no charge to SFUSD fourth graders. Bus transportation to/from Treasure Island Sailing Center is also included.

Regards from On Clipper Cove, D-

In the wake:

You can read another post about the John Yehall Chin Elementary School fourth grade kids who attended an SS Learn class at TISC last fall.

Go to the registration page to sign up for the few remaining Spring Classes. If you have questions about the SS LEARN program or would like to register for the Fall 2014 session send an email to programs@tisailing.org.

You can also download a brochure with more information about SS Learn at TISC.