SailSFBay.org is a Northern California non-profit dedicated to growing participation in sailing by publicizing access to sailing. Like so many sailing communities there are a myriad of programs, businesses, clubs and other organziations that provide access to the Bay Areas spectacular sailing conditions. However, millions of Bay Area residents remains mystified by how they can connect to sailing or continue with the many misperceptions that plague the public's consideration of sailing as a reasonable recreational activity. With that in mind SailSFBay.org is utilizing Summer Sailstice 2015 as an chance to reach out to the local media and publicize the wide variety of sailing options available to learn, explore and enjoy sailing in the Bay Area.
If you've ever wanted to let your local media know what sailing options are available in your area you may be interested in the press release SailSFBay.org recently sent to the Northern California media. A copy is here:
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA (May 18, 2015)Ever wanted to sail the Bay but aren’t an experienced sailor? As part of the 15th annual, worldwide Summer Sailstice celebration of sailing many SailSFBay.org affiliate organizations are inviting Bay Area residents to come out for a sail on the Bay. For non-sailors it’s an invitation connect with sailing at one of the dozens of Bay Area sailing programs and facilities that are open and available to the public on the SailSFBay.org website. For current sailors this means starting their summer of sailing by hoisting sails on the summer solstice weekend of June 20th and 21st.
The Summer Sailstice website (www.summersailstice.com) again plays host by allowing everyone to discover sailing opportunities in the Bay Area or, in fact, anywhere in the world. People can find a sailing event near them and post their weekend sailing plans to showcase their love for sailing. ‘We really want to make people aware of just how accessible sailing is,’ said Travis Lund of the Treasure Island Sailing Center and member of the SailSFBay steering committee. ‘With 7mm living in the Bay Area, there are just too many people who don’t know how to connect to sailing on the Bay and yet, with all the affiliated SailSFBay.org organizations, it’s much easier than most people think.’
Sailing Educaton Adventures, now based in San Rafael, has been providing community access to sailing in the Bay Area for 30 years.
While the California sailing season is really year round, the summer solstice weekend works out to be an ideal time to celebrate all aspects of sailing. Schools out, there’s maximum daylight hours and the peak summer sailing season is about to begin with summer camps, community sailing programs, charter boats, cruising clubs and numerous other sailing entities actively engaging both new and experienced sailors. Everyone sailing on the Summer Sailstice is encouraged to sign up at summersailstice.com and take a photo of their sailing fun and post it with #sailsfbay on Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook and/or Instagram for a chance to win prizes including a sail on the 76 America’s Cup boat from Acsailingsf.org.
‘I grew up as a small boat sailor in New England sailor and, like so many lifelong sailors, have always wanted to share the sailing I’ve enjoyed. More people should know how to get out and sail San Francisco Bay which is right here at everyone’s doorstep and is a world-renowned sailing venue,’ says Summer Sailstice founder John Arndt. ‘The Bay Area has plenty of breeze, sunshine, protected waters and dozens of facilities to learn, rent and connect to sailing. It’s pretty cool that sailing is so nearby but when you step aboard, you’re suddenly transported a world away!’
The concept of sailing was discovered over 4,000 years ago but many people living today have yet to discover its everlasting magic. Simple, small boats on protected Bay & Delta waters take thousands of people sailing every year. ‘There are dozens of learn-to-sail programs in the Bay Area from community programs like Lake Merritt Sailing Center in the heart of downtown Oakland, Cal Sailing Club on the Berkeley shore to professional, commercial sailing schools and yacht club youth programs open to non-members and members alike ’ adds Lund. ‘For Summer Sailstice we’re encouraging as many SailSFBay.org affiliates as possible to throw open their doors, hoist their sails and get as many people out on the water as possible. When new people discover sailing at any of these facilities, they discover one of our great escapes, a place to learn new skills, meet new people, relax and enjoy one of America’s best forms of environmentally friendly, wind-powered, close-to-home adventures. And there’s no better family time than sailing time.’
Treasure Island Sailing Center in the middle of San Francisco Bay is another communtiy sailing program with a multitude of learn-to-sail opportunities and with many youth participating with scholarships is open to all and serves a broad demographic.
The Summer Sailstice website allows everyone to find an event near them. The events are marked by either a yellow pin meaning ‘open to the public’ or a red pin meaning a ‘demonstration event’ showcasing the best of sailing life. When you browse the site you’ll find all kinds of sailing from cruising to racing and tall ships to backyard dinghies. The beauty, fun, simplicity and accessibility of sailing is all on display and being celebrated across the US on the Summer Sailstice weekend. Find a boat, jump aboard as crew and hoist your sails to start your summer of sailing.
To learn more about Summer Sailstice, visit www.summersailstice.com and visit SailSFBay at www.sailsfbay.org
See more on the SailSFBay promotion in their blog listing participants here and the #sailsfbay story.
Check out a similar effort from Ontario Sailing here.