Monday, June 16, 2008

Waianae Youth Sailing Program – Sea Scout Ship #200

Jeff and Marcy Thomas started the idea of a Waianae Youth Sailing Program (WYSP).
Ann Ford joined in the leadership. William Aila, Jr., the Waianae Harbormaster, is an honorary board member and consultant.

The Waianae Boat Fishing Club (WBFC) had agreed to become the Chartered Organization for the Sea Scout Ship. The Sea Scouts under the Boy Scouts of America will provide leadership, training and liability insurance.

We have a vision for a full on sailing program for Waianae Youth with a fleet of small sailboats, operating out of the boat harbor or off the beach at Pokai Bay.

Jeff also owns a 21’ sailboat, similar to a Cal-20 which he has moored at the Waianae Boat Harbor. Jeff has over 20 years sailing experience and he is ASA certified sailing instructor. Jeff lives in Maile and works for Continental Airlines as an aircraft mechanic.

Ann Ford grew up sailing and racing small boats in Washington State. She was a Boatswains mate in the U S Coast Guard for five years. She has sailed over 20,000 miles in the Pacific, through French Polynesia and Micronesia. She is a USCG Licensed Captain and a certified sailing instructor through both the American Sailing Association and the US Sailing Association. She is also a certified elementary school teacher. She enjoys living in Makaha and working as the Captain of the Island Spirit out of the Waianae Boat Harbor.

The leaders are passionate about sailing and giving back to the community. They believe sailing provides great character and confidence building, motivation and inspiration for all children and would be a great intervention for the high concentration of at-risk youth in Waianae.

Please feel free to contact us with any ideas or suggestions.
Jeff Thomas 808-668-0472 thomasm026@hawaii.rr.com
Ann Ford 808-282-8782 ann@favoredtacksailing.com