MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Wind filled sails and the sounds of lapping waves serve as a calling to some of Camp Pendleton’s youngest and newest captains as they chartered their own vessels at the Camp Del Mar Marina, July 21.
The marina offers sailing classes for a fee, for both youth and adults, to learn the skills necessary to take a boat out to sea on their own with confidence.
“Sailing is one of the most relaxing activities that a person can do,” said Ann Smith, manager and lead instructor, Del Mar Marina. “It’s extremely peaceful just to be on the waves and in complete control. The kids who participate attain a sense of freedom by driving a vehicle on their own.”
The marina’s classes include the Youth Sailing and Kayaking classes for kids ages 10-17, and a Youth Advance Sailing Class for kids ages 13-17. Courses for adults include basic and intermediate sailing classes, a spinnaker class, and a Navigation and Seamanship Course. The different classes are offered multiple times throughout the year.
“Every course is a U.S. sailing certified course and after completing the classes, the students can go anywhere and sail safely,” Smith said. “We teach a lot of information but every student is out in the water, captaining their own vessel on the first day.”
During the sessions, students learn sailing terminology, how to rig and de-rig a vessel, sailing fundamentals, maneuvering through weather, and what to do in case of man overboard and capsizes.
“This is one of the best summer activities for kids because they are outdoors – not on the couch watching TV or on the internet,” said Nina Killion-Russel, a parent who has two children enrolled. “Seeing my children sailing into the dock really melted my heart.”
Sailors of all ages who participate in the classes master the skills needed to chart their own vessel with confidence while having fun.
“This has been a very exciting learning experience for me,” said Mikayla Sobczak, a student in the Youth Sailing and Kayaking Course. “This is my first time sailing and I can’t wait to get back into the water.”
In addition to the sailing courses, Camp Del Mar Marina also has other types of water vessels to rent that patrons can use in a secluded area along the Southern California Coast.
For more information about the courses, to sign up, or to see what all the marina offers, call (760) 725-2820/7245, or visit the marina located in the 21 Area next to Camp Del Mar beach.