Richmond Juniors Get Their Feet Wet

October 11, 2010

Seventy-seven youngsters got wet on Sunday. As a matter of fact it was deliberate.

Who knew capsizing could be so much fun! ©2010 Richmond YC

The Richmond Yacht Club kicked off its 2010-11 Junior Program this weekend. The juniors were divided up into five different skill groups sailing everything from El Toros and Optis up to Lasers and CFJs, and were taught by about 15 instructors.

Learning how to get your El Toro back on her 'feet'. ©2010 Richmond YC

The beginners had the most serious test. It's called "the guppy" in which they capsize an El Toro, right it, bail it out and then swim across the club's turning basin. The brisk 68-degree Bay water made it a bracing experience met with a smile or at times a grimace.

The water was kinda chilly, but at least it was a warm, sunny day. ©2010 Richmond YC

The junior program started back in the 1950s and has produced numerous
successful sailors, most recently David Liebenberg and Max Fraser, who have won the 29er Nationals for the second year in a row. This year three junior members (Drake Jensen, Julia Paxton and Patrick Tara) received US Sailing's Dave Perry Sportsmanship Award. Another sailor who attended the program grew up to be a Sunfish champion (and winning tactician in the most recent America's Cup.)

Could there be a future John Kostecki in this bunch? ©2010 Richmond YC

The program is something of an anomaly. It runs during the winter, students generally provide their own boats, parents must participate, and instructors are not professionals - although this year there is one club pro who is coaching the high schoolers in CFJs.

RYC also hosts a high school sailing program and runs a summer camp with
sister clubs Stockton Sailing Club and Santa Cruz Yacht Club every July in Stockton.

- A source at Richmond YC

For more information, see www.richmondyc.org.