Fostering the future of offshore sailing

The many types of sailing can get lost in the USA as youth programs focus on a narrow band that, in many cases, prepares young sailors for scholastic competition. This is great unless it isn’t.

Those that excel are not exposed to other options, and if they continue with school sailing through college, they ultimately age-out without any other experience (which way to wrap a winch?). As for those that don’t excel, either due to disinterest or body-type, they may not be exposed to more suitable options. Both scenarios contribute to attrition.

Prior to the hyper growth of high school sailing in the 1980s, kids sailed on whatever they could get their hands on – dinghy, keelboat, catamaran, windsurfer, etc. Kids went sailing, not youth sailing. They were mentored by adults, not coaches. But then the organization of everything got more organized, and the organic attributes of sailing for young people became processed.

But an organization is seeking to change that as an influx of fresh faces is entering the offshore sailing community in San Diego, CA.

A non-profit started by Robert Capita and UC San Diego alumni Nicholas Dorn, Noah Barton, and Canyon Breyer, Project Bluewater Racing is aiming to cultivate the next generation of big boat sailors by providing college sailors access to offshore sailing education and training while upholding the values of environmental stewardship.

Since Fall 2023, Project Bluewater Racing has provided over 50 college-aged sailors in San Diego with the opportunity to train and race on the DK46 raceboat Maasai.

Project Bluewater Racing has given young sailors the opportunity to race in local events such as the San Diego to Ensenada Race, Hot Rum Series, and the Yachting Cup. Throughout the summer, Maasai and her young, enthusiastic crew have been a fixture at the Wednesday Night Beercan Series.

In addition to providing a new level of access to sailing for local young folks, Project Bluewater Racing recognizes that healthy waterways are necessary for the sport’s future.

Monthly marina clean-ups, regular beach cleanups in collaboration with local sustainability organizations, and scientific research projects conducted aboard Maasai with local research groups have all been a part of ensuring that the San Diego Bay will remain an idyllic sailing destination in the years to come.

Project Bluewater Racing is always looking for new members and supporters to help foster the next generation of lifelong sailors, grow the sport of offshore sailing,a and provide opportunities for scientific exploration and education.

Details:
• https://pbwr.org
• https://www.instagram.com/projectbluewaterracing/