Youth Sailing Camp Open Through Orange Coast College

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — During a summer of closed camps due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Orange Coast College’s School of Sailing and Seamanship has shored up their youth summer camps ensuring Orange County kids can learn to sail. Following guidance by the State of California Department of Health, they reopened their camps on June 22.

As of the beginning of July, only youth sailing camps are available.

The College’s Sailing Center, located at 1801 West Coast Highway in Newport Beach, was still waiting for additional guidance in order to extend its opening to include adult programs, lessons, and member rentals.

Community Boating Program Manager Sarah Hirsch discussed the school's reopening with the summer youth camps.

"We are following the state’s Department of Health day camp guidelines for a fun and safe camp this year, including reducing the number of students per class, practicing social distancing, and daily wellness checks," Hirsch said.

Additional safety measures being taken include requiring face coverings for staff, students, and visitors, staggering student arrivals in order to avoid large groups gathering, daily sanitation of all equipment, and making every effort to keep the same instructor for each session, according to Hirsch.

The Youth program offers one-week sailing camps for kids ages seven to 16, with three different levels, depending on skill.

"This year, the Sailing School also will be offering camps specifically for teenagers, ages 14-17," she said.

During the camp, students typically sail in teams of two or three. Family members are kept together, when possible.

All students must be able to swim at least 50 yards, and a swim test is given on the first day of camp.

Spots in the youth and teen summer camps are filling quickly, and Hirsch is encouraging anyone who is interested in the adult classes to put themselves on a waitlist now.

"As we anticipate opening adult programming in the near future, we have activated waitlists for each of our scheduled classes in July," she said. "Anyone who is interested in registering for a class should visit our registration page for up-to-date class schedules and add themselves to the waitlist if they see something they are interested in — our office staff will contact everyone on the waitlist when we are able to take registration for that class."

Private lessons and household lessons for youth also are available at competitive rates as options for individuals looking for a program with a lower risk of exposure, according to the school.

For more information, www.orangecoastcollege.com