MCB HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii -- From tacking to jibing or sailing beam reach to close-hauled, keiki are learning their port from their starboard this summer at the base marina's youth sailing classes.
Instructors start out the two-week cycle by getting kids comfortable with being around boats.
Moving through capsizing drills and classes on nautical terminology, students start bridling the wind by the end of the second day of the class.
"Sailing builds confidence. It's a scary thing for a kid," said Molly O'Bryan, head sailing instructor at the base marina, explaining a child's initial reaction to sailing. "They're out there on their own, and it's a chess game on the water. They have to think ahead and remember the things they've been taught."
By the second week, the kids are sailing like old pros, assured O'Bryan. She said the second half of the course focuses on more advanced techniques.
O'Bryan is no stranger to sailing, having taken her first sailing lessons when she was 7. Originally from California, she attended the University of Hawaii and was a member of the UH sailing team. She also teaches sailing to the midshipmen of the U.S. Naval Academy.
Offered every two weeks, youth sailing classes teach children ages 8 - 18 the basics of sailing.
The classes, boasting an instructor to child ratio of three instructors for every 10 children, are offered three hours a day, either in the morning or afternoon at beginning and intermediate levels. O'Bryan is assisted by Lisa Bachman and Jason Hohl.
"Sailing humbles kids quickly. A lot of kids think they can do anything without thinking about it or practicing," said O'Bryan. "It also helps the kids who aren't so confident. It gets them outside during the summer months and gets them exercising."
Classes cost $99 for a two-week session, and spaces are still available for the summer. For more information, call the base marina at (808) 254-7666.