ACSC's very own Program Director, Emily Zugnoni, is this year's recipient of US Sailing's Community Sailing Award for Outstanding Program Director! 

Emily Zugnoni was among 16 sailors who received a US Sailing’s Association Award in a special edition of US Sailing’s Starboard Portal — individuals and organizations in the areas of Adaptive Sailing, Community Sailing, Training and Education, and Coaching Excellence were honored for their contributions to the sport of sailing in the United States during 2021.
Emily Zugnoni grew up sailing on the Estuary and San Francisco Bay aboard her grandfather’s Tartan 30 Lelo Too, and in her 20's began her professional sailing career by attaining her Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential and becoming an instructor with ACSC. Emily is now the recipient of US Sailing’s Outstanding Program Director Award.
In announcing the awards yesterday, US Sailing described Emily as “a dedicated community member who has made a significant impact on the culture at the organization and on everyone who has the pleasure of walking through their gates.” In her role at ACSC, Emily has been instrumental in improving the organization’s programs by introducing courses and training such as safe powerboat handling, STEM education activities, and social-emotional learning techniques, along with numerous US Sailing courses. She has also created a popular sailing program for girls, which incorporates sailing instruction, STEM and leadership. “Emily Zugnoni’s stewardship of sail training in her community is impressive and admirable, she empowers staff to reach their greatest potential, provides a safe environment and demonstrates excellent leadership,” US Sailing wrote.

We're Back! The 37th Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day is set for Saturday, September 18, 2021 from 9am-Noon, at beaches and waterways throughout the state. Help us remove the trash and plastic pollution that has been accumulating since the CA Coastal Commission was last able to run organized cleanup events. In 2019, more than 74,000 volunteers (including many from ACSC!) picked up more than 900,000 pounds of trash from beaches and waterways throughout California.
Volunteers are also invited to participate throughout the month by cleaning up their neighborhoods, parks, and other local areas. Trash from inland areas flows downstream to the coast, so cleaning up neighborhood trash helps prevent marine debris. Gather cleanup supplies from home, download the CleanSwell app (to count your trash, and to have your trash counted!), and clean on your own time throughout September. More than 14,000 Californians participated in a neighborhood cleanup during September 2020, preventing over 150,000 pounds of trash from entering our stormwater systems and potentially polluting our coast and ocean.
This is how it will work:

• ACSC is partnering with East Bay Regional Parks District (EBRPD) for this event and we will be cleaning up Crown Beach!
  
• After the clean-up, head to ACSC for Open Sail! Show the front-desk staff a photo of yourself participating in the beach clean up to earn a free ACSC Open Sail Pass!
  

In addition the Coastal Commission and its partners recommend the following practices for cleaning up litter and other debris:
Preparation

• If you are sick in any way, DO NOT go out for a cleanup.
• Assemble your own Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): face mask, gloves, and make sure to wear close-toed shoes to protect against sharp objects.
• Download the Clean Swell app (available for free on all platforms) to keep track of what you pick up and how many people participated with you.

 
 
 Cleanup
 

• Follow your local safety guidelines (Maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet from everyone you encounter, even if you are wearing a mask)
• Check your local air quality at www.airnow.gov  
• ALWAYS wear gloves – disposable if available - and dispose or wash them immediately after your cleanup.
• Avoid touching any surfaces like railings, benches, etc.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Do not pick up sharp objects, especially syringes!
• If you clean up a local beach or waterway, be mindful of the conditions (such as high tide, sneaker wave warnings, etc.), and be careful near the water’s edge.
• Keep a safe distance from all wildlife!
• Unfortunately, you may find used gloves, masks, and other personal protective equipment (PPE) among litter. DO NOT PICK UP ANY PPE without a grabber. Put all PPE litter in a separate disposable bag. 

 
After Cleanup
 

• Dispose or wash gloves immediately after your cleanup. To properly remove disposable gloves, grab the glove opening near your wrist and pull towards your fingers, then turn the glove inside out before disposing. 
• Wash your hands thoroughly as soon as possible, and use hand sanitizer in the meantime if soap and water are unavailable.
• Show us your cleanup! Post your pictures using our #protectyourhappyplace (and #coastalcleanupday) hashtags on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and see how your community is participating.

 
Have fun and remember, safety first!
 
Thank you for your help and support!

Summer Camp was awesome!  We had three sessions and 103 campers enjoying the wind and water and improving their sailing skills. 

One highlight was the Feva Sailing Camp’s Adventure Sail to San Francisco guided by ACSC Lead Instructor, Casey Tolan:  

“We could not have had a better day to sail to San Francisco with the Fevas. With the tide going out as we were sailing to the Bay Bridge, the tide coming back in going home, and just the right amount of breeze, it was a perfect day! We towed out and anchored for lunch right off the tip of Alameda and once done, the campers were off sailing to the Bay Bridge. Those boats are fast, and having done this sail before with FJ's, I was expecting this to be an all-day sail, but they got there at 1pm! With time to spare, the sailors wanted to capsize and sit on their boats to say 'I capsized and sat under the Bay Bridge!' Next, we hooked up for a tow and set off for Alcatraz for a long downwind sail. With the wind picking up, I decided, for safety, that staying next to the city front was best and Pier 39 was a good place to unhook and start our downwind sail back. 
​
I don't take many of my classes to the Bay Bridge and going to Pier 39 was the farthest I have taken a class. I had full confidence in my sailors as their skills and attitudes showed that they were capable of doing this sail. They knew what to look out for; not only ferry boats, container ships, and other vessels around, but more importantly, they were aware of each other and of me and they listened for important whistles. If someone capsizes they know to come back, stay close, and stick together. Knowing their skill level and having trust in my sailors was important when going out. For some this was the farthest they’d gone, and was a new place to sail. The Feva sailors knew the importance of staying together in a new environment they are not familiar with and they did a fantastic job. We could not have asked for a better day to go out. For them to have this experience and make this accomplishment was amazing!”

We are on the hunt for a Volunteer Boatyard Manager... If you or someone you know is up to the task, the what the heck are you waiting for!? Call or email us at (510) 629-9282 or info@SailAlameda.org! 

​ACSC Volunteer Boatyard Manager
 
Duties/Responsibilities include:
 
For Boat Storage Members (space rentals):
 

• Ensure all boats/trailers are positioned in an orderly manner so as to allow other members access to their boats. (Groups or Classes of boats (i.e. Lasers) that are actively sailed should be grouped together, with good in/out access, close to rigging/equipment.)
• Ensure all boats/trailers have valid ACSC stickers
• Maintain a spreadsheet listing all boats/trailers with the following info:
  • Sticker Number
  • Owner
  • Contact Info
  • Type/Class
  • Date In
  • Monthly Rent Amount
• Audit yard monthly to determine boats/trailers which appear unused/uncared for.
• Ensure the yard remains clear of trash & weeds.
• Report unsafe conditions to the Facilities Committee.

 
For Program Boats:
 

• Work with the Program Director to ensure Program Boats remain in assigned areas.
• Ensure all boats/trailers have valid ACSC stickers
• Maintain a spreadsheet listing all boats/trailers with the following info:
  • Sticker Number
  • For Boats:
    • Type/Class
    • Date Acquired
    • Hull Identification Number (HIN)
    • CF Number (if required)
  • For Trailers:
    • Type/Description
    • Date Acquired
    • CA License Number

 
Other Possible Responsibilities (Longer Term):
 

• Maintain DMV Registrations (Program Boats)
• Advise on requests for boat storage
• Meet new boat storage members for initial spot assignment and review of rules  

BRISTOL, R.I. (February 27, 2020) – In April of 2019, US Sailing announced a new community sailing program made possible by a major donation from the Thomas and Stacey Siebel Foundation. The purpose of this ground-breaking Siebel Sailors Program is to increase diversity and opportunity in the sport of sailing by providing resources and support to youth sailors at public access sailing centers across the country.
US Sailing is highlighting the Supporting Siebel Centers who will implement this innovative program from our Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and Northern California Regions. These designated centers at locations throughout the country will support an important US Sailing objective of providing increased access to sailing for youth, regardless of socioeconomic background, and will receive a fleet of sail boats, other necessary equipment, and expert coaching.
US Sailing is excited to partner with the following Supporting Siebel Centers:
Northern California Region:

• Alameda Community Sailing Center (Calif.)
• Golden Gate Yacht Club Youth Sailing Foundation (Calif.)

Midwest Region:

• Sheridan Shore Sailing School (Ill.)
• Jackson Park Yacht Club Foundation (Ill.)
• Sheboygan Youth Sailing Center (Wis.)

Mid-Atlantic Region:

• Downtown Sailing Center (Md.)
• Baltimore County Sailing Center (Md.)

Siebel Sailors will have access to a range of sailing experiences and boat types, with the RS Feva XL as the primary boat. A US Sailing provided Siebel Coach will lead each region, providing instruction and mentoring to participating sailors. The goal is to retain new sailors in the sport by starting with a solid foundation of seamanship and safe boating, and providing ongoing opportunities to develop racing, leadership, and career skills.
Zodiac, an industry leading powerboat supplier and distributor, is supplying RIB boats to the Siebel Centers at a significantly discounted rate for their on-water coaching and management of the program.
Meet the Supporting Siebel Centers:
Northern California Region –
Alameda Community Sailing Center (ACSC) – San Francisco, Calif.


ACSC is a volunteer-run non-profit community sailing center. Like the Siebel Sailors Program, their goal is to provide boating access and sailing opportunities to those who might not be able to participate in these activities without help. They proudly grant over $22,000 in scholarships annually for their youth summer camps and after-school sailing. Sticking to the motto, “the Bay is my playground,” ACSC programs have a strong focus on adventure sailing and on-water games. They are passionate about changing the face of youth racing, making sure that there are advanced sailing opportunities for non-yacht club children in the area.
“What an opportunity! US Sailing and the Siebel Sailors Program have provided us with the tools to make a difference in the lives of youth with little (or no!) sailing experience, no yacht club connection and precious little sailing opportunity in sight,” said Kame Richards, ACSC Board of Directors. “We’re happy that the Siebel program and USS have made possible a new avenue for sailing to be used as a tool which we can use to develop children’s leadership, teamwork, confidence, and situational awareness. We’re honored to be a part of this new direction.”
Golden Gate Yacht Club Youth Sailing Foundation (GGYCYSF) – San Francisco, Calif.


GGYC has always been known as the “Friendliest Club on Bay” and is working to create a safe and fun learning environment for bay area youth to develop long lasting friendships and life skills through sailing. The goal of their youth programming isn’t to create Olympic level sailors; it’s simply to allow anyone, regardless of age, economic status, or experience the opportunity to sail confidently and race competitively. The club’s vision is to build a “Road to Regattas” for all ages that seeks to inspire, coach and mentor the youth who represent the future of sailing.
“GGYC is thrilled to be partnering with the Siebel Sailors Program because the goals of our organizations are so well aligned,” said Christopher Johnson, GGYCYSF Board Member. “We both seek to diversify the sport of sailing by creating new opportunities for everyone to access the water, we both want to build the character of our students on and off the water, and ultimately we are both working to ensure sailing remains an inclusive, engaging, and growing sport for generations to come.”
Midwest Region –
Sheridan Shore Sailing School (SSSS) – Chicago, Ill.


For more than 77 years, Sheridan Shore Sailing School has been proud to offer sailors of all ages the opportunity to experience the thrill, challenge, and exhilaration of sailing. The sailing school uses the facilities of the Wilmette Harbor Club, located on the North Shore of Chicago at Wilmette Harbor in Gillson Park. All coaches are US Sailing Level 1 Small Boat and First AID/CPR Certified.
“It is a tremendous honor to have Sheridan Shore Sailing School named one of the exclusive US Sailing Siebel Sailors Center recipients,” said Zachary Hernandez Sailing Director at Sheridan Shore Sailing School. “Recipient locations are accredited US Sailing Community Sailing Centers, 501(c)3 organizations, and offer community access to sailing opportunities/facilities. The Siebel Sailors Program will increase skill development, enrich our existing sailing programming, and provide various learning opportunities on RS Feva XL boats coached by a US Sailing certified Siebel coach, and Sailing School staff. We are excited to incorporate Siebel Sailors into our SSSS community. Tom Siebel founded this dynamic program and he happened to begin his sailing career at Sheridan Shore. We are thrilled to be part of this Siebel circle of sailing development.”
Jackson Park Yacht Club Foundation (JPYCF) – Chicago, Ill.


Located on Chicago’s South side, the Jackson Park Yacht Club Foundation (“JPYC Foundation”) is the nonprofit affiliate of Jackson Park Yacht Club, one of the oldest yacht clubs in Chicago (founded in 1896) that has the largest number of African American sailors in the country. A US Sailing STEM center since 2018, the JPYC Foundation’s mission is to provide the outreach, education, training, support and resources necessary to engage young people and adults in boating and other activities on and around the water, including non-traditional participants in boating activities.
With over 30 partners, including an on-site Northwestern sports psychologist who trains students/staff on conflict resolution, confidence and resiliency, as well as the Chicago Police Department and Cook County Sheriff’s Department, who bring at-risk youth to our programs, the JPYC Foundation engages youth in a fun, challenging sailing program that encourages them to embrace education, college, careers and opportunity.
“Over 2 million people live in Chicago, yet over 800,000 Chicagoans, many of them children of color, have never even seen Lake Michigan let alone been in any kind of boat. By connecting youth of color to Lake Michigan – one of Chicago’s greatest assets – we can literally open their horizons and help them to navigate a new course in their lives,” said JPYC Foundation President, Karen Harris. “We are honored to have been selected as Siebel Sailor Program supporting center and look forward to working with the other Siebel locations to continue demonstrating that sailing is something that everyone can enjoy.”
Sheboygan Youth Sailing Center (SYSF) – Sheboygan, Wis.


At the Sheboygan Youth Sailing Center it is their goal to offer a series of empowering experiences to allow youth and adults alike to do great things on their own. As a community sailing center on the beautiful waters of Lake Michigan, their mission is to cultivate an appreciation within the Sheboygan community for our lake by introducing youth and adults to the sport of sailing and help them to develop the skills to safely and effectively crew and skipper a sailboat. As they expand their reach into the community, they hope to continue offering classes in which every student will find meaningful opportunities for building self-confidence and self-discovery while creating friendships and a lifelong passion for being on the water. Come and set sail with us for an experience you will never forget!
“We could not be more thrilled to have the opportunity to be a Siebel Sailor Program Supporting Center for the upcoming season,” Whitney Kent, Program Director. “As SYSC works to increase our outreach and partnerships within the Sheboygan community, we think the Siebel Program will offer a new and diverse group of students the opportunity to experience the joy of sailing on Lake Michigan in a unique and exciting way.”
Mid-Atlantic Region –
Downtown Sailing Center (DSC) – Baltimore, Md.


The Downtown Sailing Center has offered sailing instruction and access to sailing through a variety of programming to the Greater Baltimore Community since 1994. DSC is located in the heart of Baltimore at the Baltimore Museum of Industry, an easy walking distance from Downtown, Federal Hill, South Baltimore, Riverside, and Locust Point neighborhoods.
The Downtown Sailing Center programs are available to the entire community. For adults, they offer adult education, recreational sailing open sails, Thursday Night Racing and cruising education. For youth, we offer junior camps, outreach programming that includes STEM curriculum, literacy education, and US Sailing Instructor Certification. For persons with disabilities we offer “Access-ability Saturdays” racing education and group outings.
“The Downtown Sailing Center is honored to be engaged in the Siebel Sailors Program,” said Stuart Proctor, Executive Director. “The DSC has focused on inclusive, fun sailing opportunities for all people since 1994 and continues to do so. The Siebel Sailors Program complements our mission and affords Baltimore youth an amazing opportunity they would otherwise not have. Janel (Zarkowsky) and Blair (Overman) have shown themselves to be great leaders in the development of the program, and The DSC is looking forward to continuing our partnership with US Sailing through this generous grant made possible through the Tom and Stacey Siebel Foundation.”
Baltimore County Sailing Center (BCSC) – Essex, Md.


The Baltimore County Sailing Center is a community sailing organization operating out of Rocky Point Park, in Eastern Baltimore County. Now in its 27th year, BCSC offers learn-to-sail camps, summer-long racing programs, scholastic sailing, adult learn-to-sail, one-design racing. While the primary focus is sailing, additional programs promoting kayaking, windsurfing, fishing, and outdoor education are offered.
BCSC does not require dues or a membership commitment from its participants. Individuals, families, and groups participate in their programs, use the facilities and volunteer to support the organization. The policy of membership by inclusion allows BCSC to provide affordable access to sailing and waterfront activities for the average family.
“We are excited to be a part of this new program and partnership, to continue spreading our mission of bringing everyone, on to the water,” said Nicole Sikowitz, Director of Programming. This program will allow us to further engage our local community.”
Eligibility criteria, center guidelines, and answers to Frequently Asked Questions can be found at www.siebelsailors.org.
For questions about the program please contact Blair Overman, Siebel Sailors Program Manager at blairoverman@ussailing.org.
US Sailing Communications:
Jake Fish, jakefish@ussailing.org
About US Sailing
The United States Sailing Association (US Sailing), the national governing body for sailing, provides leadership, integrity, and advancement for the sport in the United States. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Bristol, Rhode Island, US Sailing is a 501© (3) non-profit organization. US Sailing offers training and education programs for instructors and race officials, supports a wide range of sailing organizations and communities, issues offshore rating certificates, and provides administration and oversight of competitive sailing across the country, including National Championships and the US Sailing Team. For more information, please visit www.ussailing.org.

Back in September, US Sailing and The Siebel Sailors Program announced its first round of recipients. Alameda Community Sailing Center was honored to be selected as a Siebel Sailing Center. Along with Treasure Island Sailing Center and Golden Gate Yacht Club Foundation, we make up the San Francisco Bay Region of Seibel Centers. 

So what is this Siebel Sailing Program all about?
Here are the quick facts:

MISSION: To increase opportunity and promote diversity in the sport of sailing.

VISION: The Siebel Sailors program aims to bridge the participation gap among 10-14 year olds, a group that tends to leave sailing, and to encourage participation among populations and demographics that are under-represented in the sport generally.  The program will do this by emphasizing positive, 21st-century coaching techniques, providing a diverse and dynamic youth sports experience, and developing the skills needed to continue lifelong participation in the sport.

VALUES:

• Fun: We are free to find our own enjoyment and play within a supportive community.
• Respect: We grow appreciation and responsibility for ourselves, our team, and the sailing environment.
• Effort: We do our best every day.
• Voice: We speak up and collaborate with each other to shape our own learning and sailing experiences. 
• Inclusiveness: We support an inclusive community with diverse activities that encourages everyone to participate.  

​What makes Siebel different?  If it can be for any skill level and its offered at a variety of Centers, what is the common thread across the program?

• The Siebel Sailors Program is a program that Centers participate in.  Its designed to shift the discipline and culture of both youth sailing and coaching at partner centers
• US Sailing provides tools, support and resources to Centers to assist the culture shift (fleet of Feva’s, regionally allocated powerboat, national level coach, standardized curricula, skill tracking tools)
• Target demographic is 10-14 year olds and communities under-represented in the sport
• Regional coaches work within a single program offering at centers for Year 1 and steadily expand the “culture” to additional program offerings in Year 2.  By Year 3, Centers have adopted the “culture” across all program offerings.
• Centers’ can have the Regional Coach work within any skill level or program offering initially; Centers decide what is best for them.
• The shift in culture is focused around a de-emphasis on specialization (i.e. dinghy racing) and a re-emphasizing of the skills needed to “play for life,” including social skills and life skills as well as sailing skills

Siebel Coaching Camp
ACSC Program Director, Emily Zugnoni, joined coaches and directors from Siebel Centers all over the country to learn, collaborate, and discuss how to begin implementation of this innovative new program. The Siebel Coaching Camp was held in Colorado Springs at the Olympic and Paralympic Training Center. Presentations focused on The American Development Model, Coaching Styles, Positive Discipline, Safesport, High Performance Cueing, Siebel Curriculum/Culture/Values, Diversity & Inclusion, and Feva Boat Care. The camp challenged the participants to think about interacting with young athletes in new ways, the social and emotional development of our sailors, and about how we can change the face of sailing for future generations. 

What's next?
This spring, beginning March 30th, ACSC will host its first official Siebel program, Siebel Spring Break Camp. The curriculum has been developed by US Sailing and will be coached by national Siebel Coach, Chris Childers. We cannot wait for this fun, challenging, inclusive new adventure to begin! 

Thanks to all our volunteers, members and all of the adventurous souls that made it out to our annual end of season BBQ. It was pretty heart warming to see the kids showing off their new found skills to their parents, as they took advantage of a beautiful day. The winds were very light in the early hours, but a gentle breeze floated in later in the day. I even managed to take my little three year old out in one of the sail cubes and he enjoyed to "wave, wave, wave" at all the other boats as we glided on by.
If you've got photos to share, please send them my way webmaster@sailalameda.org

The Chichester Around Alameda Race was first raced back in the '70s and is now sailed every few years. What makes this race so fun and interesting is that the only mark of the course is the island of Alameda itself, you can go around it either way! Of unique challenge are the 3 relatively low draw bridges! They are not quiet high enough to sail under, so capsizing, or sailing at an extreme heal or any other method to get you through the bridges is the trick. Taking into account the current so it's with you is key. The 4th bridge (Bay Farm Island) is high enough to sail under but the span is narrow so short tacking takes skill, and maybe a bit of nerve. 

Alameda Community Sailing Center is excited to be the OA this year with a new format including a short course regatta on Saturday in Sea Plane Lagoon, a spectacular stadium like venue for such racing. And Sunday the Chichester Around Alameda Race will start with a broad reach to the turning mark - Sail GP style start - before you decide which way you plan to sail the island.  

Previous race recaps here:

• Latitude 38 - 2016
• NorCalSailing - 2013

Video by Elisa Williams

Despite early morning calms and low tide, the Alameda Community Sailing Center's Annual Season opening kickoff BBQ was a blast. Volunteers, instructors, and Crew-In-Training were on hand to help get people quickly signed up and out on the water. Free life jackets were distributed courtesy of California Division of Boat and Waterways. While it is true that there is an art to sailing in light winds, I personally prefer my sailing a little more spirited. By noon light zephyr's pierced the placid water surface and steadily the winds built up. We had near perfect conditions for the rest of the afternoon.

On and FJ Trainer, my wife and I were able to take advantage of the day. It was pretty apparent to the instructor who let us venture out on our own, that hmmm perhaps one-weekend class two-years ago doesn't qualify one as mastering sail trim. "Wait! What does head up mean?!" was the response to my gentle suggestion. A few tacks and enthusiastic surges of adrenaline had us zipping right across the cove. (Rescue boat at the ready just in case.) 

Back on shore my little 3yr old matey was kicking a soccer ball around on the expanded ACSC grounds with other kids and adults. I talked with parents who beamed with pride about their child who'd completed seasons before and was now a Crew-In-Training. The sun warmed up and dried up those of us who might have taken a bit of a swim in the bay, and we devoured some tasty burgers (with salsa - a nice touch) and more than a few desserts.

A big thank you to all of you that came out and made it such a success! Now let's get sailing!