Bay Head School Sailing Program

How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?

BHYC invited the nearby Bay Head School's fourth-grade class to partake in their own after-school sailing program at our facilities. The program introduces the sport of sailing and the Barnegat Bay to non-member, local students. Fifteen students came out to learn about Optimists, boat skills, safety, knot tying, and terminology from BHYC junior sailing instructors. They had on-land lessons, on the water practice, and played games to keep their interest and test their knowledge of sailing.

By the end of the program, students were able to try the Club-owned Tech Dinghies and Sandpipers with the coaches and explore the Barnegat Bay and Manasquan River for a few hours. Having the local school children come to utilize our facilities allows for a stronger connection with our community. The Bay is just a few steps from the classroom, so BHYC wanted to give them an opportunity to experience the joys of sailing.

How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?

The BH School Sailing Program was funded through a donation from the membership. Without the support of our members in our local community, programs like this would not be possible. BHYC reached out to the school with an offer of an alternative program and it was arranged directly with the school from there.

BHYC is proud to host our community and offer up our facilities to the Bay Head School and will continue this program in the spring and next fall.

In addition to this great sailing program, if you look across to the other side of the driveway, you can find dozens of tennis players on BHYC’s tennis courts after school. Every fall, BHYC offers up their courts to the Bay Head School’s tennis program, where they practice and host their tournaments.