Dana West Youth Sailing: The Perfect Summer Adventure for Young Sailors

As summer approaches, parents everywhere are on the lookout for fun, meaningful activities to keep their kids busy — and if you’ve been hearing a lot more about youth sailing programs lately, it’s for good reason. Programs like Dana West Youth Sailing (DWYS) in Dana Point aren’t just about learning to sail; they’re about building lifelong skills, making new friends, and spending unforgettable days out on the water. Dana West Yacht Club image provided by Mark Williams Founded 25 years ago as a summer camp for Dana West Yacht Club members and their families, Dana West Youth Sailing has blossomed into a 501I(3) nonprofit offering year-round opportunities for young sailors. “Our mission has always been to provide kids with valuable skills and experiences,” said Mark Williams of the DWYS team. “Now, with the full support of Dana West Yacht Club, we’ve grown into something that serves the whole community — and even launched a 29er high-performance program aimed at preparing sailors for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.” Dana West Yacht Club image provided by Mark Williams At the heart of the DWYS program is a focus on foundational boat handling, a set of skills that...