Na Hoa Holomoku of Hawaii Yacht Club wrapped up its junior summer sailing classes at Hilo Bayfront on Aug. 3.
The series, which was open to junior sailors of Hawaii Island, included course levels from beginner to intermediate and gave students a fun way to spend time on the waters of beautiful Hilo Bay while learning to sail.
The classes were taught by certified U.S. Sailing instructor, Taylor Penwell, whose next teaching contract begins in September in New Zealand.
Twenty-five juniors from Hilo and Puna learned how to solo sail a Topper boat safely and effectively.
They learned U.S. Sailing and Coast Guard rules of sailing safely on the water, sailing vocabulary, how to capsize and recover and basic racing techniques.
The classes instill confidence and safe independence in the young sailors.
Recently relocated to Hilo Bayfront from Pohoiki because of the ongoing lava flow, lifeguard Bradley Young spent the summer alongside the club during its activities.
“Educating children on how to read waves, be safe, watch out for one another, teach about weather, rain and what’s happening up mauka and giving our kids something to do that takes advantage of our resources is a positive thing all the way around,” said Young.
“We enjoy seeing the kids partake in programs like this and we, ourselves, would like to get involved (with the club) someday.”
The 18-year-old club is a member-based and volunteer run organization promoting all types of boating and is open year round to the Hawaii Island community.
Currently there are 150 family memberships in Na Hoa Holomoku. The club hosts an introduction to sailing on the first Sunday of every month.