Inaugural West Coast Junior Safety at Sea program

The Newport Sea Base, in Newport Beach, CA, in partnership with the Storm Trysail Foundation and US Sailing, has organized its inaugural Junior Safety at Sea (Jr SAS) Program to be held Saturday, August 15th at the Sea Base.

Open for youth ages 13-18, Jr SAS introduces youth to big boat sailing while simultaneously teaching them safety skills they can use in any boating situation. Designed by offshore sailors from the Storm Trysail Foundation, with support from US Sailing’s Safety at Sea Committee, JrSAS is a one day hands-on program that emphasizes avoiding dangerous situations through preparation and honing safety skills with on-the-water practice.

To date, more than 1,500 teens have received this training in locations from Virginia to Maine, and most recently in Cuba, but this will be the first ever seminar on the West Coast. The curriculum includes topics such as crew organization, crew overboard prevention and recovery, storm avoidance and preparation and use of safety equipment. Students will spend much of the day sailing on boats between 30 and 40 feet in length.

Sailing clubs, high school teams, sailing programs, are encouraged to bring 4-5 students along with a coach or parent for participation. Participation is limited, and a small fee per participant will be required. Lunch will be furnished, as well as water.

For more information, contact Newport Sea Base at info@newportseabase.org or The Storm Trysail Foundation at www.stormtrysailfoundation.org. Sign-ups will be on the Storm Trysail website shortly.