TISC Set Sail Learn STEM Program Tops 5,000 SFUSD 4th Graders

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DSC_0552Dianne Feinstein Elementary is no stranger to learning STEM at Treasure Island Sailing Center on Clipper Cove.  They’ve participated every year since the program’s 2013 inception. This week their class brought the 4-year total SSL smiles to over 5,000.

Just like many classes before them, these kids had a “crabby” day studying ecology of the bay.  Games featuring the food, shelter and oxygen needs of undersea creatures lead to a better understanding of what it takes to sustain life in the sea.

Learning about math, statistics and graphing always seems so much more in the TISC Activity Center !DSC_0422

DSC_0438Of course time on the docks checking out what’s in the water adds to the fun.DSC_0404DSC_0408

Set Sail Learn classes also provide every student with an opportunity to get out on Clipper Cove to experience the wind and water in a safe, protected environment away from the commercial traffic, high currents and large waves of San Francisco Bay.DSC_0535

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The Dianne Feinstein School  supplements a standards-based education by using hands-on practices and games to reinforce skills and make learning fun, differentiation to meet students’ needs, and enrichment programs that include science and arts.  The TISC SSL experiential learning approach is an ideal match for their kids.

Regards from On the Cove, Dave G

In the wake:

Along with the Growth in our Set Sail Learn program, other TISC programs or activities sponsored by TISC have also grown.  The graph below shows the usage of Clipper Cove by TISC students and sailors, kayakers and paddlers who use TISC as a Launching Point for New Horizons.

TISC Users on Clipper Cove

You can check out more of the 5,000 Set Sail Learn smiles in the posts below.

Nothing Can Stop a Sailor

52, 65, 106, and 2. Those are the numbers that you need to know for the BAYS #5 Regatta held at Treasure Island Sailing Center this past Labor Day weekend. 52 boats of a variety of shapes and sizes, 65 eager sailors, 106 degrees blazing down upon San Francisco, and a 2 o’clock race start that almost did not happen. What an interesting and fun regatta it definitely was!

The kites fly as the sailors cruise in front of the Port of Oakland.

The kites fly as the sailors cruise in front of the Port of Oakland.

Numerous sailors came out to TISC on September 2 and 3 for the fifth regatta in the Northern California BAYS Summer Series. Two race courses on display, spectators were provided the viewing pleasure of C420s, CFJs, Optimists, RS Teras, and even one Laser all competing together in magnificent harmony in the idyllic Clipper Cove. The sailors varied as well in club representation, including dinghies from the San Francisco Yacht Club, Peninsula Youth Sailing Foundation, Encinal Yacht Club, Santa Cruz Yacht Club, South Beach Yacht Club, Sausalito Yacht Club, Richmond Yacht Club, Sequoia Yacht Club, and our very own Treasure Island Sailing Center.

Rowan Clinch spots the layline for his skipper, Raffy Weiner.

Rowan Clinch spots the layline for his skipper, Raffy Weiner.

The regatta nearly began on a sour note, with the first day half an hour away from being cancelled. No breeze, an unbearable heat, and antsy and restless sailors formed a dangerous combination that was thankfully resolved when the wind picked up and the race committee dropped the postponement flag around 2:00 PM on Saturday. The determined youth sailors, ready and raring to go, immediately launched their boats in the water. As the wind increased, the committee was able to complete about six races for every fleet. The following day, the good fortune continued. Blowing at about eight knots and not ceasing, the wind permitted a double-digit amount of races for nearly all of the classes. The beautiful Sunday weather truly made up for the time lost the day before.

The determined Opti racers make their way to the windward mark.

The determined Opti racers make their way to the windward mark.

Presenting the due praise for the champions of the event, the first-place finishers were as follows: Andrew Fisher and Sebastian Natale (C420), Kyle Hoffman and Sean Tolan (CFJ), Dylan Wondolleck (Opti Championship), Zach Gordon (Opti Green), Finnagh Hanrahan (RS Tera), and Casey Tolan (Laser Radial). For the full results, please click HERE. Additionally, for our TISC sailors, we strongly encourage students to participate in the future. We had five sailors carrying the torch for the program, with Zach Gordon actually championing his fleet. (Well done, Zach!) Please stay tuned for more information about the upcoming Northern California BAYS Winter Series.

Zach Gordon (17) and Felix Ho (18) battle for position on the starting line.

Zach Gordon (17) and Felix Ho (18) battle with the other boats for position on the starting line.

Much love from On the Cove,

Smitty

In the wake: Consider signing up for the FALL PROGRAM. We still have open spots, and the cove is calling your name!