top of page

Afterguard Sailing Adventures Youth Camps

Youth Summer Sailing Camps

July 28 to August 1, 2025 

M-F/W 9am-3pm

Early drop off / late pickup options.

More dates possible on request.

 

Sign up for individual weeks

or the full 4-week series and save 5%

Youth Small Boat and Keelboat Classes

Through Afterguard Sailing Adventures Youth Academy

Since 2006, Afterguard has partnered with Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) to offer for-credit sailing courses during the school year. These weekly 2–4 hour sessions are based on our core curriculum and are designed to support learning in PE, math, science, and other STEM disciplines. Over a full semester or trimester, students earn academic credit while gaining valuable skills on the water.

 

Students who continue beyond the basics can progress through ASA-certified courses, which are recognized and college-accredited in seven states.

 

In 2008, we launched our Youth Summer Sailing Camps, offering 1- to 4-week sessions. Campers start with the fundamentals and advance to sailing the San Francisco Bay in both small boats and keelboats.

 

Since 2019, Afterguard has operated from a 4,500-square-foot facility next to our marina, equipped to host full-size youth class groups. We have a fleet of boats ready for instruction and a dedicated community of certified instructors and volunteer club members who love helping youth learn to sail.

 

Custom group schedules are available with advance notice. We’re happy to work with schools, homeschool groups, or families to create a program that fits your needs.

Sample Schedule

WEEK ONE:

Student participants in the first week learn about sailing, first aboard a 23' boat that does not capsize and is safe to sail both in the Oakland Estuary and in SF Bay waters.

Mon-Tue - There is some classtime and lots of water time each day.

Wed-Thu - focus on sailing independently aboard a small boat. As skills develop may move to larger small boats to work in teams of two where trade roles skipper and as crew.

Fri - students play "follow the leader" through sailing games on land and in the water. These are fun and help to improve sailing skills. The games make sailing to feel natural.

Can qualify for ASA 110 Small Boat Sailing, at the end of day 3 if succeed in the on-the-water drills and take a written test.

WEEK TWO: Explorers Certification week

Mon - Plan to sail small or/and keelboats to a destination in the am. In the afternoon work on sailing skills.

Tue - Sail the Oakland Estuary each group of 2 sailing there own boats to fit that plan - Jack London Square or Union Basin as initial destinations.

Wed - Expand horizons to Aeolian Yacht Club or Treasure Island depending on the tides and currents. Factor into sail plan the days tides and currents and then sail. We will make it a treasure hunt along the Oakland Estuary.

Thu-Fri - Focus on improving sailing skills. If not yet, this is a second chance to achieve earning an ASA 110 certification.

WEEK THREE: SF Bay Introduction

Mon - Sail out of the Estuary in full view of the Port of Oakland

Tue - Sail out to Treasure Island for lunch and back

Wed - Tour Coast Guard Island led by one of our teacher who is currently in the USCG

Thu - Learn how to do basic navigation.

Fri - Sail to Angel Island where students help navigate to get there for lunch and back.

​​

WEEK FOUR: Explorers Week - Finding Direction

Sailors speaking the basics of the language of the sea can talk to or understand the varied local marine professionals to see if this is a direction for them. Past students have gone into marina management, international shipping, tug captain which may yet lead toward becoming a Bar Pilot.  

Mon - Tour boat yards large and small. Visit a sail and canvas shop, and if lucky, see the Doer underwater submersible facility on Alameda Island

Tue - Drive to Sausalito's SF Bay Model - tour the 9 acre replica of the entire SF Bay waters, from the Gate to Sacramento, Stockton and Tracy. 2400 miles of waterways.

Wed - visit SF Bar Pilot's base, Hyde Street Pier and the maritime museum. Showcases the highest paid marine jobs and roles maritime endeavors has had on SF and the world.

Thu - Tour Vallejo's Cal Maritime campus led by an American Navigation tug captain, a former Afterguard camp participant who was inspired.

Fri - Sail aboard our 45' yacht to circle the Bay seeing the commercial ships in action all around the Bay. 

 

Youth/Kids Summer Camps

Summer Camp: Basic Small Boat (Week 1)

Member: $485

Nonmember: $585

Small Boat Mates & Skipper (Week 2)

Member: $485

Nonmember: $585

Small Boat Play & Practice (Week 3)

Member: $385

Nonmember: $485

Small Boat Explorers (Week 4)

Member: $485

Nonmember: $585

Full 4 Week Small Boat Series Combo

Member: $1745

Nonmember: $2095

What Our Sailors Say

Mark G., Catholic Charities Youth Group

December 2024

What an AMAZING day out on the water! The youth had an incredible time sailing with Mary and Anthony. The instructors were phenomenal, and the entire experience was truly memorable. I can't thank Afterguard enough for providing such an incredible opportunity for our group.

Contact us by phone or email to sign up for youth camps, school-year sailing programs, or to customize a course to fit your needs.

bottom of page