Featured photo: Mike Ferring
After a few years of post-COVID rebuilding, the Arizona Sailing Foundation (ASF) is expanding its 2023 operations to certify more sailing instructors, offer more community sailing programs, and MORE SAILING OPPORTUNITIES!
Most AYC members know the basics about ASF and their 20+ year history of providing sailing classes. ASF has introduced 100s of adults, juniors, and high schoolers to the joys of sailing. And in addition to continuing those offerings, ASF is on a mission to offer even MORE SAILING OPPORTUNITIES through the expansion of their Community Sailing Programs.
What are ASF Community Sailing Programs? Community sailing includes the well-known Adopt-a-Boat program offered in conjunction with AYC for TTL racing. And it also includes lesser-known programs like cooperative education and participation in fun sailing events like these:
- Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and homeschooler sailing education
- The AYC Halloween Spooktacular on TTL
- The Tempe Town Lake Annual Christmas Boat Parade
- Kid’s Lake Days for Sailing / Kayaking / Paddleboarding and family fun at the lake
Also in the works are plans to offer several new Community Sailing programs, including:
- Tiller Time: Access to ASF boats for qualified sailors to sail outside AYC race days (restrictions apply).
- Ambassador Sailing: Build sailing skills with experienced and qualified ASF “Sailing Ambassadors,” separate from AYC race days.
These programs will focus on getting sailors in boats and on the water after classes and separate from AYC racing and Adopt-a-Boat sailing. ASF & AYC are partnering up to offer more sailing opportunities to qualified sailors who have completed an ASF course or are qualified members of the Arizona Yacht Club.
Sailing Ambassadors will be available to provide a personalized sailing and coaching experience in a 1:1 or 1:2 participant format. Keep an eye out for announcements with details about how to register and schedule Tiller Time and Ambassador Sailing.
There are many opportunities for being involved in ASF. Consider the following:
- Apply to be an ASF Sailing Ambassador
- Help support Adopt-a-Boating
- Lend a hand with adult and junior classes and other community sailing programs
- Put your rigging and boat maintenance skills to work on ASF fleet maintenance
- Become an ASF Instructor (get the details here)
Ready to lend a hand or have questions?
Contact ASF at ArizonaSailingFoundation@gmail.com
Phone & Text: (480) 269-2699
