About UsMike Straser2020-12-14T23:12:30+00:00

Sailing is more than just a pastime or mode of transportation; sailing is an experience that has the power to change us, to change the way we look at the world. Sailing requires us to carefully observe the environment around us, to gauge the subtle changes in direction and strength of the wind, the shape of the sails and the movement of the boat thru the water. Only thru careful observation and application of these skills can we master the complex art of sailing. Our Sailing Programs provide students with the fundamentals of sailing. Then in small groups they hone those skills, rotating thru the different crew positions. Working towards a common goal, they develop leadership and team working skills. We create an environment for students to learn and grow. Their pride of accomplishment can be measured by their growing self-confidence.

Our Sponsors

The Wilmington Youth Sailing Center / Sail LA is a 501 c3 non-profit and all donations are tax deductible. Our Tax ID is 45-2842151

Every student matters. Every dollar Helps. Your donation will make a difference in the life of a student.

$2000 Sponsors 10 student to a week of Science & Sailing
$1000 helps restore a Boat for our High School Sailing
$200 Sponsors a student to a week of Science & Sailing
$40 Sponsors a Middle School student to a Day of Science & Sailing
$25 Sponsors 4 student to a Keel Boat Sailing Lesson

Your Donation directly benefits our Youth Sailing Program. Donations allow us to expand the scope of our program and provide services to at-risk and underserved youth in the south bay area.

Wilmington Youth Sailing Center
Berth 203 #9
Wilmington CA 90744
Our Executive Director can be reached at (949) 375-1814 or
robert@SailLA.org

Working with underserved LA area youth, our mission is to instill a sense of confidence, a desire for knowledge, and a vision for their future success through an introduction to sailing, science and environmental awareness.

This past summer our members at the Boys & Girls Club of the Los Angeles Harbor, Wilmington Site had the opportunity to attend the Sailing & Science course at the Wilmington Youth Sailing Center. Our members were introduced to Math, Science, Engineering and Technology as it relates to vessel design, navigation and operation. Through this great program and opportunity, our members developed life skills and confidence while learning how to sail.

Mike Lansing, Executive Director - The Boys& Girls Club of Los Angeles Harbor

Less than ten percent of Wilmington Students have been on a boat; fewer than five percent have the opportunity to observe our port as it moves the cargo of our great nation. They see it as a distant backdrop without realizing the career opportunities that exist around them. The Wilmington Youth Sailing Center’s programs for middle school students stress the importance of an education for the increasingly technical jobs within the port. Their Sailing & Science Program encourages students to embrace education and complete high school and college in preparation for their careers.

Amy Grant, CEO - International Trade Education Programs (ITEP)

Small sailboat and large sailboat programs complement each other. With small sailboat programs, the students readily learn the impact of their boat handling skills and can quickly bridge the STEM (Science Technology, Engineering and Math) skills to the real world. These skills can then be scaled up and augmented with team work elements on the larger vessels, such as Irving Johnson, Exy Johnson and the Swift of Ipswich.

Bruce Heyman, Executive Director - Los Angeles Maritime Institute

The Sailing Center is a place for learning about the community, port and ocean. It provides a recreational outlet beyond the reach and experiences of underserved youth. It encourages and develops lifelong skills and gives students a reason to learn math and science, to understand navigation and oceanography, technology, commerce and to seek job opportunities which promote their interest and talents. Books are one form of education, but exposure to new venues, adventure, and experiences are lasting positive vehicles to enhance success.

Olivia Cueva-Fernandez, Former educator and Los Angeles Public Library Commissioner

Our children need to learn not just from books but from physically encountering the why, when, where and how the ocean works. Children like being challenged by the elements. They like the rigor and discipline a good sailor needs to achieve the ‘perfect’ tack.

Susan M. Prichard, Wilmington Resident

Our organization works with many Wilmington youth, families and community groups to enhance our youth’s education and to improve the quality of life of our residents. The Sailing Center teaches youth how to apply the concepts of science, math and engineering to navigation, weather and the ocean through its classroom demonstrations and sailing. Its educational and fun activities inspire and build confidence in our youth. The Sailing Center provides a partnership opportunity for all of our youth organizations.

Robert A. Trani Jr., Executive Director - United Wilmington Youth Foundation