TISC 2023 Opening Day Draws Bay Area Children, Youth and Families to Clipper Cove

Treasure Island Sailing Center drew hundreds of children, youth and families to enjoy sailing and kayaking on the protected waters of Clipper Cove on Saturday, April 15th. Land-based activities included food, games, face painting and more. The US Coast Guard Auxiliary passed out life jackets courtesy of DBW. All  this made possible by the many volunteers from our V15 Fleet, the Cal Berkeley Sailing Team, and a host of TISC supporters and staff.

Just a few of the 330+ attendees are represented in this photo collage courtesy of Luxine Smith, our Business-Manager-turned-event-planner for Opening Day.

TISC Opening Day has been the “Spring Opener” for San Francisco Bay for over 15 years. Near-perfect weather brought over 330 attendees from all parts of the Bay Area (including San Jose & south, plus Sacramento and even LA) to enjoy a family friendly day on our protected waters of Clipper Cove, situated safely between Yerba Buena Island and Treasure Island  (read about Clipper Cove).

CLICK THE IMAGE ABOVE TO SEE THE LOCATIONS OF SATURDAY’S OPENING DAY VISITORS TO TISC.

Thousands of visitors have joined us over the years, so no surprise there’s a bit of a line in the morning to register.  And waiting for sailboat rides.  Of course a nice painted face makes the lines disappear!

Water activities included sailing on our fleet of J24 keelboats and RS Venture sport boats, and paddling around the cove on kayaks.

Kayaking on Clipper Cove enables visitors of all skills to get on the water in a protected venue that feels “far, far away from the city”.

 

Land-based activities during opening day provide a range of activities for all.  While face painting is a favorite, just “hanging out” is not a bad way to spend a “day on the bay”.  Of course food is always a favorite past time.

Ines Huret from Cal Sailing added lots of color to Opening Day.

Our sponsor and partner booths are another draw for TISC opening day. Recology shared their vision to develop and discover sustainable resource recovery practices that can be implemented globally.

Recology Zero Waste Program exhibitor Maria Trefen recruits future “recyclists” during their visit to TISC Opening Day.

Opening day is a great lead-in to National Safe Boating Week starting May 20-26. A big shout out of thanks to the CA Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) for once again providing free life jackets on Saturday, and a grant to support our staff as they welcomed hundreds from around the Bay Area. Thanks also to the US Coast Guard Auxiliary for helping us give the lifejackets away while educating everyone on how to wear them correctly.

United States Coast Guard Auxiliarists, left to right: Nancy Marion, Marisa Hoke, Robin Stewart, Bart Rugo, Louis Sarto. Not pictured, Desmond A.J. Thorsson, Nick Moore, Gerald Norton and Derek Lam (retired).

Life jackets are the most important safety factor for all water sports. But not the only one.  Safety on the docks and around boats requires constant attention.  On the water vigilance is also important, and you can see TISC safety boats in many of the photos taken during Opening Day.

Thank you Michael and Cal Sailing for your support of opening day (and reminding all of the importance of life jackets)l

TISC is fortunate to be located on Clipper Cove, arguably one of the best venues on the planet for all we do. It is protected on three sides from the waves of San Francisco Bay.  The wind is reliable at all times, with the winter being the most likely time for light airs and spring-summer-fall being “just the best”. And the current that rips past the cove has very little impact on activity inside the cove.

This photo shows the calm water of Clipper Cove just inside the “tide line” at the mouth, where significant currents can run north or south depending on the time of day. With Oakland to the East.

The causeway from Yerba Buena Island to TI forms a natural barrier to the waves and currents in San Francisco Bay. With San Francisco to the West. And the TISC docks just minutes away from Clipper Cove.

Our annual Opening Day events take months of planning (suggestions from this year to help make best year are welcome -please send along) culminating with pages and pages of checklists for all facets of the day.   On “The Day” it is the volunteers (28 this year !) who make it happen for our hundreds of visitors. Signage, tables, registration, food prep, dock safety, sailboat and safety boat drivers, clean up crew – this list goes on and on.

So thank you Luxine Smith and thanks again to everyone on our staff, the Cal Berkeley Sailing Team (special tip-of-the-hat to Jessica Stewart for these great photos) and our V15 sailors who are always on the leading edge of our volunteer fleet.

Regards from On the Cove,

Dave G.

In the wake:

In case you missed what the SF Chronicle had to say about opening day, you can read it here:

https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/treasure-island-sailing-club-lets-kids-enjoy-san-17898461.php

 

 

 

Flying Cat Highlights TISC Opening Day 2019

What a day! What a day! What a beautiful day on the Bay!

Each year the Treasure Island Sailing Center (TISC) holds an event called Opening Day to celebrate the commencement of its season while supporting National Safe Boating week. With support from the California Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW), we invite the general public for free educational rides in our sailboats and the opportunity to paddle on kayaks or stand-up paddle boards in Clipper Cove. Add raffle prizes and food then watch hundreds of smiles coming off the water.

This year TISC served over 250 people, supported by 40 gracious, talented and much-appreciated (did I mention psyched up and enthusiastic) volunteers and staff. 

DBW donated 100 lifejackets and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary sends a group each year to hand them all out, while educating the public on boating safety.

Always a festive environment, this year’s event with music playing, photo booths, face painting and food was no different; a perfect day for boating on Clipper Cove. Opening Day marks the beginning of our sailing season here at TISC, and like past years was followed by Opening Day on the Bay.

The morning was calm to set up all the equipment and boats, and by the 11 o’clock opening the wind was up to 10-12 and filled in to 12-15 by day’s end. Not a cloud in the sky. I enjoyed MC’ing the event and chose loud 70’s music playing on the PA.

A steady stream of people, registered and guided by our many volunteers, made for efficient boarding and departing of our J/24 fleet.  Our volunteers and power boats provided safe access to everyone who wanted to paddle on the Cove.

The Sail GP regatta was planned for City Front the following weekend.  The teams and its organizers were making their way around the Bay visiting yacht clubs and sailing centers to promote this unique regatta.

One of their RIB’s pulled up to our dock around noon.  They provided 100 “goodie bags” plus free event tickets.  More fun raffle prizes to pass out.

What happened next was amazing.  I turned down the music and asked everyone to look under the Bay Bridge. While barely visible one moment, the towering wing sail of the USA Sail GP 50 shot into view as they screamed under bridge. As they crossed the head of Clipper Cove the boat popped up onto its foils and “flew” out of sight to the north.

What a sight to behold for all who witnessed the 100-foot wing on a 50-foot catamaran racing by at nearly 50 mph.

The day continued under perfect conditions. Smiles, family fun, sailing and more paddling in the safe, protected waters of Cove repeated over and over.

I mentioned weather, Clipper Cove, music, paddling, sailing and SMILES.  Can’t forget the FOOD !.  We had the best food in all of San Francisco thanks to  BEYOND THE BORDERCheck out their menu or feed your next event.

The day ended as smoothly as it began. Everyone who sailed for the first time was thrilled and vowed to be back.

Thanks again to our volunteers and staff for giving their time and talents to make this day possible for so many Bay Area youth, adults and families! And a special a tip-of-the-hat to Brian Hill for once again providing the excellent photos of our April 27th event.  You can enjoy more of his  opening day photos.

What a day! What a day!

Regards from On the Cove, Travis

In the wake:

In case you missed  the Foiling 50’s at SailGP May 4-5,  you can watch 4 minutes of “extreme footage” selected from the best of the best moments from the San Francisco event.  To see more or watch future events check out the SailGP home page.

V15 Nationals-Good Times on Clipper Cove

Clipper Cove and the Treasure Island Sailing Center served up a grand August 25-26 weekend of racing for 50+ Vanguard-15 sailors. Fourteen races – thanks to our experienced PRO – in near-perfect westerly breezes just minutes from shore. Major Good Times.

Twenty-six V15 teams from around the country traveled to Treasure Island from Tennessee, Texas, and Southern California to compete with local sailors from the Bay Area. For the event, the class National Championship, all enjoyed a solid weekend of racing thanks in large part to TISC and PRO Ian McClelland, as well as a host of Vanguard 15 Fleet 53 volunteers.

The racers made good use of the entire cove, from the mouth up to the north west end.


While Saturday’s light morning breeze triggered a short postponement, 6 races were completed in excellent conditions. On Sunday, the breeze started strong and built throughout the day, allowing the race committee to serve up 8 more races.

Up and down the fleet, the racing was close and competitive and the score lines reflect this. By the end of the weekend, however, it was clear one team in particular maintained an unmatched level of consistency. Matthew Sessions and Avery Whitmarsh (1629 in the photo below) from San Francisco Yacht Club won the 2018 Vanguard 15 National Championship.

Complete results are HERE.

 

 

Of course no V15 regatta would be complete without an active social schedule.The Saturday dinner was held downtown at the Bay View Boat Club.    Following the award ceremony Sunday afternoon the sailors gathered at the Woods Island Club adjacent to TISC on Treasure Island.

A special “thanks and a tip of the hat” to Vinay Vijayakumar for the excellent Saturday photos. You can see more of his work HERE.

And a shout-out to Mike Deady for writing and Sam Wheeler for editing this blog.

Regards from On the Cove, Dave G

In the wake:

Clipper Cove continues to provide public access to San Francisco Bay for kids, youth and adults.  Sailing, kayaking paddle boarding; recreational sailing, lessons and racing. The Cove’s rich history – read more HERE – continues to grow as public use expands in this unique Bay Area Gem.

 

TISC Opens 2018 Fun Season with 432 Smiles

Mix 51 loyal volunteers with 258 excited visitors.  Add J/24’s, kayaks and SUPs.  Say “Coast Guard, DBW, Life Jacket, Ready About, Hard-alee.”   Blow gently, add brilliant glitter and Adam’s Grub Truck. The result: smiling faces shining over Clipper Cove.

So many highlights, where to start? -Actually, that’s easy. Again this year many thanks to Brian Hill for the great photos and helpful “play by play”.

So, on to the 432 smiles (270 from J/24 sailors, 108 from kayakers and 54 from the stand-up paddle boarders).

Enthusiastic Volunteers and Staff Creates Opening Day 2018:

Setup at the Coast Guard Auxiliary Tent:

Luxine Smith, Program Coordinator, briefs skippers:

Josh readies a chase boat:

Travis Lund, announces from the PA system:

Skippers discussing procedures:

Boat handler and skipper at the ready:

Charlotte at the TISC table studying the course offerings – – –

– – – and ready to discuss TISC with visitors:

Adam’s Grub Truck is ready for hungry people:

Jamie is ready with oars and life jackets:

People arriving and getting briefed on National Safe Boating Week:

A hypothermia demonstration from the Coast Guard Auxiliary:

Heading down to the docks:

Setting up on kayaks and paddle boards:

Heading out in a two-seater kayak:

Kayaker and paddle-boarder rendezvous on the water:

Gabe and Sam have a chase boat rendezvous in front of the Bay Bridge:

Gabe and Alana, piloting one of the chase boats:

Meanwhile back on land, Glitter in the City gives people fabulous freckles:

Two face-painting prospects exam design ideas:

A patient boy gets to see the finished result:

Cal Sailing team members operate their wind indicator (a bubble machine!):

A Giants fan and her Harley-loving daschund get ready to go out:

And her grand-daughter pauses to show off her glitter:

The two of them occupy the pulpit on a J-24:

Three more J-24s await cast-off:

Boarding the boats with careful direction from the boat handlers:

Another cast-off:
And another:

Boat handler gives the special all-clear sign:

Bon voyage!

TISC-1 against the new Bay Bridge:

TISC-1 and TISC-2 heading out:

TISC-2 with Bob Flores at the helm:

TISC-2 again!

TISC-5 on a fly-by:

TISC-1 at the head of Clipper Cove:

TISC-3 coming home:

Travis hands out some nice schwag from Oracle and the America’s Cup:

And a gift of wine-tasting for eight from one of our sponsors:

As the afternoon continues, people are still enjoying the varied fun:

Relocating a National Safe Boating Week Sign from the clubhouse to the docks:

Event photographer Brian Hill hands his camera over for a selfie:

One last panorama shot of the facility and the volunteers (scroll across to see it all!):
Our enablers, those great teams who make eventsl like this possible – the 51 volunteers from the Cal Sailing Team,  V15 racers, SFSU, our tenants, program partners and an SSL teacher. Generous donors including Winemaker Studios here on TI, East Bay Costco and Aracely Cafe at 401 13th in San Francisco, California Division of Boating and Waterways. Informative exhibitors including the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, Re-cology Golden Gate and the SF Environmental Department. And what about those glittering faces thanks to Glitter in the City and lunch with Adam’s Grub Truck !

Regards from The Cove, Dave G

In the Wake:

Events like this don’t just happen – they are planned in advance, volunteers are recruited, details are checked and re-checked and then the (fun) job starts on “Game Day”.  While our entire staff was on hand for opening day, Luxine Smith was ultimately responsible for the myrad details, volunteers, contributors and more to deliver such a positive event ( water side summary: 270 J/24 boat rides, 108 kayakers and 54 SUP riders) here On Clipper Cove. THANK YOU LUXINE!

 

TISC Launches Low-Cost Sailing Initiative for Bay Area

According to Statista, US Sailing participation grew to over 4 million participants in 2016 including 811,000 youth. The Treasure Island Sailing Center Volunteers Reward Program provides low-cost or no-cost access to training, boats and facilities for Bay Area families.2017 Opening Day Volunteers

We recognize the importance of giving back to our communities. Some people get involved with TISC to meet new friends, others to sharpen their skills.  Some sailors are passionate for “the cause” while non-sailors often volunteer to learn how to sail.

TISC’s new Volunteer Rewards Program serves all of these people. Whatever their motivation, all are welcome!

Key elements of the TISC Volunteer Rewards Program:

  • The program is available to TISC Volunteers with a minimum of 16 hours of service.
  • Volunteers may utilize credit for hours previously accumulated for equal hours of instruction for any TISC course, or toward use of TISCs fleet of sailboats.
  • Adherence to TISC’s progression of courses and boat usage policies must be followed at all times.
  • Volunteer Rewards are non-transferrable unless in the case of a minor to whom the volunteer is a legal guardian
  • TISC will reserve 25% of its courses for volunteers per availability.

If you have any questions about the Volunteer Rewards Program or volunteer opportunities, please email programs@tisailing.org or call us at 415 421-2225. You can also click HERE to see the complete list of volunteer opportunities available at TISC.

By the way, heads up to parents: Spring sailing classes begin  Sunday, April 8th at TISC and Summer classes begin Monday, June 11th (you can REGISTER HERE).  No child is ever turned away from TISC for financial reasons.

Also, if you are considering sailing classes for your kids, you should read the informative blog post from US Sailing: Thoughts on Choosing a Sailing School.

Regards from On The Cove, Dave G

In the Wake:

Here are a few upcoming On-The-Water and On-Land volunteer openings that are available to be filled.

Opening Day:  Saturday, April 21, 2018P4220037-skipper on j24

This one day event kicks off our sailing season while promoting the sport of sailing and National Safe Boating Week.  We are looking for volunteers to help with the water activities on the Bay and with on land activities on shore.

Visually Impaired Sailing Programvisually impaired sailors

Volunteer Opportunities to assist sailors who are blind or visually impaired is a one-Saturday or Sunday-a-month event hosted at TISC in partnership with BlindSail SF Bay. TISC is seeking experienced sailors to participate in these events either as instructors or as crew members on a J24. Some training will be required and will be provided by instructors experienced in teaching people who are blind and visually impaired.

Boat Work Daysalex fixing boats

We need your help keeping TISC’s boats clean and ready to sail. Our boats have made it through the Winter, and now it’s time to get them bright and shiny for another season of sailing!  Whether you are working part or full-time or are retired, you can choose a that suits you.

Group Sailkids smiling on j24 bow

Come sail a J24 around Clipper Cove for a couple of hours! Volunteers take a small group of people sailing around the cove and teach them to the basics of sailing. Volunteers need to pass TISC’s J24 checkout and are required to do a background check if they are going to be working with youths.

Summer Camp Support – starting June 11thsand castle

We are looking for volunteers (18+) to help supervise children during their lunch hour and assist the sailing Instructors on the beach after lunch.  One week commitment preferable

Regatta SupportBAYS-Oct-2017_in-action_3-min

No sailing program is complete without the racing aspect.  TISC host several Youth Regattas each year and each of these regattas could use your support on land.  This is a fun way to watch the competition and help the youth enjoy the sport of sailing.

TISC SSL Fall 2017- 5,500 Smiles and Counting !

Set Sail Learn, our experiential STEM program for San Francisco 4th graders, passed the 5,500 “smiles” milestone during the Fall 2017 Session.  Students learned about history, ecology and renewable energy. And buoyancy by building and testing their own watercraft!

654 4th grade students attended one of the 25 Set Sail Learn classes at Treasure Island Sailing Center during our just-completed Fall 2017 session. These youngsters came from 13 San Francisco Unified School District schools.

SSL Final Numbers-min

On Wed., Oct 25, 2017 we had 29 students from the Francis Scott Key Elementary School. Since the start of the program in Fall 2013, students from this school have come every Fall session (except 2015), with a total of 9 classes and 273 attending our SSL program!

Each class had the option of studying Ecology of the Bay, Renewable Energy (with a focus on wind power) or Watercraft Engineering (with a focus on buoyancy).  Along with these studies in our activities center, students sailed in RS Venture or J24 sailboats.

Kids-J24_1-min

Girl-J24_1-min

Students from the Francis Scott Key Elementary School connected with crabs as a way to learn about the Ecology of SF Bay.  Ecology-journal-min

Alec-students-crab_1-min

Alec-students-crab_2-min

A class from the Sutro Elementary School learned about the origin of sea breeze…

Seebreeze-min

… and then built “wind cars” as part of their study of Wind Power.

Wind-car-building-min

Testing and racing the “wind cars” was the most fun!

Wind-car-testing-min

Wind-car-racing-min

Set Sail Learn classes alternate interactive discussions and study in the activity center with sailing on Clipper Cove.

Big smiles from “hands on” not only in the classroom activities but also on the tiller, actually driving J24 sailboats.

Girl-J24_2-min

Kids-J24_2-min

At the conclusion of the Fall 2017 SSL session, 5,526 SFUSD students have attended 212 Set Sail Learn classes at TISC on Clipper Cove. They represented 39 schools over the last five years.

Regards from On the cove,

Alec L., with thanks to Luxine for the SSL pictures

In the wake:

The grant received from St. Francis Sailing Foundation last fall was a game changer for TISC and SFUSD 4th graders. It officially launched the program; enabling the jump from pilot to a fully staffed program that delivers over 45 classes per year – at no charge to the schools.

The StFSF grant funds about half of the classes. TISC raises the other half through public and private grants along with individual donations.  Each SSL class costs approximately $1,500. If you are able and inclined to make an investment in the future of our children, please consider making a donation to the TISC annual fund – every donation helps no matter how much you are able to invest. If you act by December 31, 2017 your donations, up to $12,500, will be matched dollar for dollar. You can DONATE HERE.

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.

 

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

Image

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

DSC_0525

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.

Dolphin and Friends Join TISC Kids on Clipper Cove

650 4th graders attended TISC Spring Set Sail Learn sessions. Another 800 kids sailed and paddled here this summer. What better place for a fun-loving Dolphin and 3 seals to hang out with TISC kids than on Clipper Cove ?

On Friday, August 11th “Clippy” the dolphin showed up to hang out with our Friday sailors.  Our students were thrilled to see him.2017-08-11 00.42.27-cr

And his friendly, inquisitive seal playmates. Seal 2-cr-eyes

We can’t guarantee our Fall session sailors a chance to hang out with a dolphin, however we can offer a great opportunity to learn more about sailing, teamwork, and life on Clipper Cove.  To register CLICK HERE.

Here’s what Cazzie and Cassidy had to report: “This week at Clipper Cove, the highlight has been a ton of wildlife activity! From beautiful blue herons to roaming packs of friendly seals, the cove is teeming with wildlife. But the most incredible highlight has been the sighting of the first harbor porpoise in the Cove for years! All of these are promising signs for a recovering cove under the stewardship of TISC and TISC sailors.”

Here are a few more photos courtesy of our Executive Director Travis Lund who captured the fun had by Clippy and his friends.
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Seal FJ 2-cr

2017-08-11 00.24.14-cr

2017-08-11 00.36.16-cr

 

2017-08-11 00.34.24-cr

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Regards from On The Cove, Dave G

In the wake: Don’t forget – you can STILL REGISTER for spaces still available for the Fall Sessions.

 

 

TISC Opening Day 2017 a Glittering Success

Start with J/24’s, kayaks, SUPs and Clipper Cove sunny skies. Add attendees of all ages and dedicated volunteers. Mix with paddles, sails, food and free life jackets. Sprinkle with glitter and a gentle breeze.  Wala!  TISC 2017 opening day smiles.

TISCOpeningDay2017-100

Our “shore team” played a critical role in the success of Opening Day / Safe Boating Day at the Treasure Island Sailing Center. Staffing the many exhibits and activities is a non-stop job the minute our gates open.   Ditto for managing the check-in, scheduling, and successful “dock-in” and “dock-out” of all the water craft.  No way all this could happen without the many TISC parents and the CAL Berkeley Sailing Team.  TISCOpeningDay2017-101TISCOpeningDay2017-102 TISCOpeningDay2017-103

The guys on the docks making it happen strike a pose.Boat Handlers Strike a Pose TISCOpeningDay2017-104Pushing OffSeveral years back we combined our Opening Day with Safe Boating Day because TISC promotes safety in all we do.  The US Coast Guard Auxiliary District 11 (Northern Region) handed out 100 life jackets provided by the California Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW). Many of the programs provided to children and adults would not be possible without the on-going financial support of DBW.Coast Guard AuxiliaryTISCOpeningDay2017-115Back again for a second time was Glitter in the City.  Lots of sparkles on many cute faces. The face painter and her models steal the show:TISCOpeningDay2017-121 TISCOpeningDay2017-123 TISCOpeningDay2017-124 TISCOpeningDay2017-126Water action included rides in kayaks, stand-up paddle boards (SUPs) and J/24s.  Our J/24 fleet skippered by TISC supporters and Vanguard 15 racers provided rides to over 200.  TISCOpeningDay2017-130TISCOpeningDay2017-132Another 70 happy kayakers and 40 adventurous SUP “drivers” enjoyed time on Clipper Cove. TISCOpeningDay2017-133 TISCOpeningDay2017-134 TISCOpeningDay2017-135TISCOpeningDay2017-136And more happy J/24 drivers and crew.TISCOpeningDay2017-139TISCOpeningDay2017-140 TISCOpeningDay2017-141 TISCOpeningDay2017-142 TISCOpeningDay2017-143TISCOpeningDay2017-145Bruce Holaday also joined us along with his hand-made Petie Bateau, a Shellback Dinghy designed by Joel White.  For a great children’s book (kids from 8-80 will love it!) you can order “A Boy’s Boat” directly from Amazon.TISCOpeningDay2017-146Other exhibitors also participated to help provide a fun day.  And an educational one, with Recology Golden Gate passing out flyers and information to help educate attendees on what goes in which bin.TISCOpeningDay2017-147This year Adams Grub Truck joined us.   They promised “explosions of flavor, magnitude of size, served with a smile” and did not disappoint.  Their upcoming schedules are HERE.TISCOpeningDay2017-117TISCOpeningDay2017-149The next generation gets some time on the Bay too.TISCOpeningDay2017-150Over 50 volunteers supported this successful day. Here’s a few more photos from the shore-side fun and games.TISCOpeningDay2017-137 TISCOpeningDay2017-127 TISCOpeningDay2017-119 Luxine Smith wears many hats at TISC.  As our volunteer coordinator she is responsible for sorting out the many jobs needed for Opening Day and filling them with volunteers. Way to Go ! on another great turnout of volunteers and attendees.TISCOpeningDay2017-148PLEASE don’t forget out sponsors.  Next time you’re in Berkeley stop by the Peets Coffee at 2916 Domingo Ave and THANK THEM for their support of the Treasure Island Sailing Center.  Ditto for the Costco on 2400 Monument Blvd. in Concord.

Regards from On The Cove, Dave G

In the wake:

Thanks and a tip-of-the-hat to Brian Hill for the opening day photographs. Great shots, nice framing and well organized to share the fun times had by all on Clipper Cove !

TISC Outreach & Inclusion – Best in the Nation

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 makingnotable 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 TISCIMG_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”.