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

 

 

 

TISC V15 Fleet to Clipper Cove: “We’re Outta Here!”

V15 West Coast Fleet 53, chartered in April ’98 with 8 boats sailing on “The Alameda”, now sports an active fleet of 30 boats racing April through September. Their Clipper Cove venue can’t be beat, featuring consistent wind, flat water, and current-free courses minutes from the Treasure Island Sailing Center docks.

Except when they head out from Clipper Cove for their annual “Round-the-Island” race each year. On Saturday, June 21 they left the Cove for a clockwise circumnavigation of Yerba Buena and Treasure Island. TWENTY boats on the line, one of the larger events other than National Championships in the last decade. Results (congrats to top five Dan/Claire, Ty/Tiffany, Lindsey/Elena, Cole /Yuri and Sam/Kristin) are HERE. Special call-out to Matt Bernard who singlehanded Jeff Knowles’ old boat, the Jack-A-Roe.
How come a trumpet on the perpetual winner’s trophy ?

According to fleet captain Sam Wheeler, this annual race is sailed in honor of Jeff Knowles, master sailor, adventurer, and consummate V15 racer. He held the speed record for a modified V15 – think mast replaced by huge kite.

Jeff died in a kite-boarding accident in 2018, and is greatly missed by all who knew him.

He was a trumpet player who occasionally busked on street corners. At least once he played a 3-minute start sequence on his trumpet for a dinghy regatta. Hence the trumpet, purchased and donated by a friend who didn’t know Jeff, however was inspired by his story.

So even though the fleet was “outta here” for an afternoon, they still call Clipper Cove home and have been active supporters and volunteers on the cove and at TISC for two decades.
No sailing event, on land or water, can happen without support, and for the “Around-the-Island” race thanks to Ian McClelland for running the race, and to the Rivlins for providing Panthera as the committee/chase boat.

Regards, from On The Cove, Dave G

In the wake:

They’re Back On Clipper Cove !!

Over the weekend of August 27/28 V15 Fleet 53 hosted the 2022 V15 National Championships on Clipper Cove. Shout out to Steve Kleha and Claire Pratt for their back-back win, the first-ever in the 29 year history of the event. More good news – Steve, along with Nick Adamson, welcomed our juniors, helped to set up 3 boats, and coached them throughout the weekend. TISC fielded 5 youth race team members sailing in the fleet and now the kids are really psyched to sail Thursday nights next season.

So a big tip-of-the-cap to the TISC V15 fleet and their sponsor West Coast Sailing.

More photos and results from the Nationals will be posted here: https://www.facebook.com/SFV15

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 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 !

Clipper Cove – Our Platform for Smiles and Self-Confidence

TISC teaches life lessons and builds self-confidence in under-served youth and new sailors. Best wishes for 2015 as we give credit where credit is due, to Clipper Cove – our platform for smiles, volunteer hours, goal-setting, teamwork, communications and leadership.

Clipper Cove from the EastTreasure Island Sailing Center is fortunate to be located on arguably one of the best venues in the US if not the World for teaching life lessons to under-served children and youth while providing access to water sports for our entire community.  Clipper Cove is unique in its central location, protected waters, predictable winds, minimum effect of the tidal currents and access to San Francisco Bay for sailing year around.

views IMG_1078Below are favorite pictures taken on Clipper Cove since we started photo-blogging three years ago.  No particular order, simply a collection of groups and activities with two commonalities – smiles and Clipper Cove.

TISC provides community outreach so kids can learn about the bay after school and during the summer.  And adults come here to access SF Bay for many reasons including lessons, community sailing, and organized racing.outreach IMG_0314_resize (2)

outreach IMG_1831 outreach IMG_9962community IMG_0435More and more today youth and adults are realizing sailing is not just about racing; they’re using the wind as a free source of propulsion to simply have fun and enjoy what Mother Nature has given us.  And the Bay’s shoreline provides a nice alternative path to exercise.community_GGY1751

IMG_1780 standup onclippercove

Clipper Cove is generally gentle most mornings.  Ideal time of day for new sailors to learn the basics of sailing.gentle IMG_2938 enjoy and respect IMG_1507 gentle  IMG_0056_resize (2) gentle IMG_0048_resize (2)

Of course sailors love wind and even our novice sailors soon progress to a point where flying spray and feet dragging in the water makes for a fun time.  North west summer arrive predictably around 11 am most days and build until 6pm.windy TISC-homeward bound

windy TISC - downwind windy IMG_0338_resize (2)

windy optis onclippercoveAs counter-intuitive as it may seem to non-sailors, capsize drills seem to be at the top of the list with many TISC students.  Could be their confidence and self-esteem showing through, or the chance to jump in, or simply a way to remind themselves and others that they’re in charge.  Clipper Cove is a safe, ideal place for such drills, well away from the currents prevalent in nearly all other bay locations.

safety and more safety IMG_0113_resize (2) safety righting a bug - 4533

IMG_1886smiling capsize onclippercoveAnd along with the basics of sailing come the life lessons we speak of so often such as goal setting which is a pathway to self-confidence, communications which must be a way of life on the water and teamwork which is pretty much an integral part of any sailing program – it’s just plain natural for kids to help each other in almost any aspect of the sport from launching to sailing to putting away at the end of the day.team building IMG_9895 IMG_1882 teamworkteamwork TISC-on the board

team racing IMG_2406-crFriday afternoons offer a chance for our sailing classes to kick back and have fun on the beach.  Many days outreach classes, PE classes from local schools and youngsters from our young “Harbor Seals” can be found on protected beach at the western end of Clipper Cove.relaxing IMG_1460 team building IMG_1536 relaxing  IMG_0290_resize (2)

IMG_1833-young smiles onclippercoveAs students progress, our lessons introduce leadership for those interested in taking their skills further – into teaching, coaching, on to college and beyond.  TISC provides internships and scholarships for these talented youth, many of whom represent our next generation of Bay Stewards.   IMG_1907-JI smiling

IMG_1764 JI coachingIMG_1782 ji and kids smilesClipper Cove is home port for the Cal Berkeley Sailing Team in the fall and SF Bay Laser and V15 fleets in the summer.  Winter brings out the BAYS high school regatta.IMG_9536-calsailing-onclippercove

community clipper cove plus kids and parents-en

Since TISC launched Set Sail Learn in the fall of 2013 over 1,600 fourth graders from 33 schools have sailed on Clipper Cove.  These newest visitors to Clipper Cove have come from 59 San Francisco fourth grade classes. crab watching_resize JYC Seaweed Discovery JYC Crab Lab at TISCSSL IMG_0031_resize (2) SSL  Rommel framed by TransamericaRegards from On The Cove, Dave G

In the wake:

The Treasure Island Sailing Center Foundation raises money so no child or youth who wants to take lessons or join in our outreach program is ever refused for their inability to pay. Last year our summer and outreach programs  hosted 968 youth.  Our community sailing events, always open to the public, and adaptive sailing and Co-Able Youth lessons provided access to the bay for another 1,000+ participants.  Here are a few more of the many smiling faces from 2014:pointing and smiles IMG_9633 IMG_0449 IMG_4130 IMG_1787 co-able smiles with MMIMG_1748 IMG_1683 IMG_1641 IMG_1637 IMG_1073 IMG_0904 IMG_0701 smiles framed by bay bridge IMG_0649 IMG_0559

IMG_1875 IMG_1831 Bow Happy-cr

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.

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

Opening Day: Sails, Paddles and Smiles On Clipper Cove

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 !!

 

Dock-In Sunday, Smiles on Monday

float transportVanguard 15s are in TISC’s DNA !  V15ers have provided major support for kids’ smiles since TISC’s founding in 1997.   The docks are in; racing starts April 3rd on Clipper Cove – arguably one the best dinghy racing venues anywhere.

Last Sunday sailors from Vanguard 15 West Coast Fleet 53 and the TI Laser Fleet worked with the TISC team  to install the docks and launching ramp float stored across the cove to protect against winter storms since last fall.  This volunteer day is often viewed as the beginning of summer at TISC.  It certainly marks the start of V15 and Laser racing on Clipper Cove.

hoist awayMany of the “bakers dozen” or so who showed up for the Dock-in are experienced hands at this task.  There are a few traditions that have built up over time.  For example, first one to sign up gets to run the hoist.  Most charged up about dock-in and season opener gets to use the power tools. And best dressed gets to ride the ramp float back to the docks.tool guy

positioning the float

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The fact is, all these volunteers “get it”.  They understand a great way to support their sport and help kids learn life lessons – communication skills, team building, decision making, leadership – is by volunteering at the same place they love to sail, here at TISC on Clipper Cove.

Here are a few more pictures of Sunday’s Dock-in process.

from the ramp dropping the dock dock in

 

 

 

 

 

 

ready to lift

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And a few more smiles as the docks were assembled and cleaned up.

cleaning cleaning smiles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dock-in was just in time. Students from the Life Learning Academy used the ramp and float on Monday for the first in a series of classes covering boat handling, self-confidence and SF Bay ecology.

LLA SmilesRegards from On the Cove, and a “tip of the hat” to Madeline Eustis, Claire Hulse and Al Sargent for the great pictures from Dock-In Sunday,

Dave G.

In the wake:

Below are a few pictures from a post about Thursday Night Racing on Clipper Cove. If you own a Vanguard15 or Laser and haven’t joined in on the fun, you’re really missing out.  Thursday night racing is a blast on Clipper Cove!

approaching the mark bridge background downwind mark lasers frame by the bride off the wind port starboard

 

 

Barney Joins TISC J/24 Fleet

The last time I attacked bronze anti-fouling paint was putting a new bottom on Skipper’s Gift in September, 2001. Thanks to 2,000 psi from Dahls and elbow grease from V15 sailor Mike Weinman, Barney joined our TISC J/24 fleet.

Last year a J/24 berthed in Alameda was donated to TISC.  In good condition, but no trailer.  While we scrambled to find a suitable trailer Treasure Island Marina graciously provided temporary dock space.  With the donation of a Moore 24 trailer in March and timely help from a neighbor we finally had a place for our newest J.
 
By the time I arrived on Friday with the rented power washer Mike and Chris had alreadyGreen Growth moved US1234 from the marina to TISC and were adjusting the new lifting strap.  It was clear even before lifting her up we were in for some serious bottom cleaning.
 
First PassAfter a quick test of the power washer, we used the hoist to move from the waterline toward the keel.
 
A year of living in San Francisco Bay delivered up a variety of algae, sea weed, barnacles and a few small critters who seemed right at home.
port side growth
Marine Biology and Critter
 
After several passes with the power washer and long push broom the we found the rudder, and then bottom was slowly revealed. 
rudder in process  ready to attack port side
 Progress on Stb sideNot the prettiest (you should have seen Skipper’s Gift her first season in Marblehead) however relatively smooth and ready for her new home at Treasure Island Sailing Center on Clipper Cove.Barney on Trailer Barney Trailer and Bay Bridge

Our J/24 fleet is one of TISC’s key assets.  They are used by adults for keelboat lessons and community sailing days, by youth in the 25-plus groups that benefit from TISC orientation sails and by visually impaired sailors who enjoy our J/24s on a regular basis.

This year we’re starting an adopt a J” program at TISC and asking our tenants and friends to help clean up our J/24 fleet, and their trailers, by spending a few hours over the next couple months on “clean it ” and “fix it” projects.  We’re hoping the keel boat owners especially at TISC will each donate a small amount of time to help out.
 
These small projects are ideal for those who would rather spend a few hours at times convenient for them rather than scheduled workdays. You can find more information on these tasks and others on our volunteer page HERE.
 
Regards from On the Cove, Dave G
 
In the wake:  A couple of our J’s, Fortunata and Delos, came with names.  Others, Great White, Blue Stripe, and Old Yeller,  were named by appearance.  Barney seemed like a kid-friendly name for our newest acquisition.  After all, we removed plenty of barnacles from the hull and keel on Friday.  If you have other suggestions or are interested in naming rights for one of our boats let us know.  The price is much less than the $123M spent to name  the new Levi Stadium in Santa Clara!