Letter to the Editor: Sailing Foundation Offering Gift Certificates

Sailing is a passion for some, a pastime for others, a life skill, a pleasant recreation, a vocation and an avocation. No matter how sailing fits into your life, it is a gratifying, confidence building, and satisfying pursuit.  But getting access to boats, water and instruction can be difficult and expensive. Ocean City is fortunate to have provided its residents and visitors with an easy and affordable opportunity to explore this wonderful sport.

The Ocean City Sailing Foundation has had an enormously successful four years on the Great Egg Harbor Bay. Based at the Bayside Center at Sixth Street and the bay in Ocean City, the foundation has provided affordable sailing instruction and sailing opportunities to hundreds of young people and adults, both local residents and vacationers.

The number of sailing campers increased by 20 percent in the past summer. The staff has four experienced and qualified instructors, who enjoy both sailing and teaching.

Partnered with the City of Ocean City and supported by a very active board of directors, the foundation has grown significantly since its inception in 2007 when Harry Bellwoar and then Mayor Sal Perillo put together the plans. The foundation has applied for and received two I Boat NJ grants which have helped fund the fleet of 12 OPPIs (the primary teaching boats), three sloops ranging from 14 feet to 18 feet, and three chase boats plus all the equipment needed to run a sailing program. This past year, 420 sailboats were incorporated into the program, broadening the sailing experience OCSF can offer.

New docks and ramps installed in 2010 provided better and quicker access to the bayfront, allowing the students more time on the water.

The foundation is in the planning process for 2012 and will preview the season with an Open House in mid-June which features 15-minute sailboat rides and time to learn about the programs.  

OCSF is offering holiday gift certificates for lessons and OCSF merchandise with a 10 percent discount at the web site ocsailingfoundation.org which provides program descriptions and activities. The foundation is dedicated to providing to 10 percent of its campers. See the website for information.

— Pat Haughey