The Force hits the water with at risk youth, plan big announcement

by Vince Casalaina on 12 Apr 2013 The American Youth Sailing Force (The Force) and Sunsail joined together to sail across San Francisco Bay with students participating in the East Bay’s Afterguard sailing program.

While Sunsail provided the very comfortable and high performance Beneteau First 40 sailboats, The Force and the Afterguard kids enjoyed a spirited afternoon of sailing, as they delivered the boats to the Strictly Sail Pacific boat show, in Oakland. For the Afterguard kids, this was something completely different. Team member, Evan Sjostedt notes, 'These kids have been sailing in much smaller boats in the Oakland Estuary and had never sailed in big breeze or flown a spinnaker before. This was really a new experience for them.' And, Team Manager, Ian Andrewes recalls how much fun it was for the kids, 'It was really great getting out in the middle of the bay and sailing with the spinnakers up. The kids had a really good time and the boats were really moving in the strong breeze.'

Along the way, The Force talked to the kids about all they are doing to compete in the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup, what it is that motivates them to succeed, and answered questions about how the kids can participate and find job opportunities in the maritime industry.

Friday, April 12, The Force will be presenting a major announcement at their seminar on sailing the AC45s. Be sure to stop by Pavilion E from 4:45-5:45 to hear about our exciting news right after Molly Vandemoer introduces The American Youth Sailing Force