Last month, Westwind Sailing partnered with Sunburst Youth Academy to give more than 200 students a hands-on introduction to boating safety and water recreation in Dana Point Harbor. Over two days, cadets participated in a five-station program that included sailing, kayaking, and stand-up paddling. For many, it was their first time ever being on the water.
The collaboration aimed to build confidence, teamwork, and awareness through practical boating experiences. Cadets learned essential water safety skills such as how to properly wear a life jacket, safely board and exit a boat, handle and maneuver equipment, and stay alert to their surroundings while on the water. Each student worked toward their own level of success, gaining new knowledge and self-assurance in an environment that encouraged independence and fun.
In addition to time spent on the water, participants attended an educational presentation focused on ecosystems and ocean conservation. The day emphasized both environmental stewardship and the enjoyment of recreational boating — connecting the importance of caring for the ocean with the thrill of experiencing it firsthand.
The event was part of Sunburst Youth Academy’s broader mission to help high school students re-engage with education and develop discipline for the future. Run jointly by the Alternative, Community, and Correctional Education Schools and Services (ACCESS) program of the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) and the California National Guard’s Task Force Torch, the voluntary residential high school helps struggling teens recover credits and build leadership skills. With an 87% success rate, the program changes the lives of more than 200 students annually.
The day on the water allowed cadets to explore a side of Southern California many had never experienced, providing not just recreation but a sense of accomplishment and connection to the coast. For the instructors, seeing students overcome initial hesitation and discover new strengths on the water served as a reminder of the program’s deeper purpose, which is building confidence, teamwork, and respect for the marine environment.
At the end of the session, cadets left with new knowledge about recreational boating, greater appreciation for ocean safety, and shared memories of teamwork under the sun. The partnership underscored the power of community programs to inspire young people while fostering a lifelong connection to the water.
Westwind Sailing, founded in 1987, continues to offer public-access boating instruction in South Orange County, focusing on safety, fun, and personal success. As a U.S. Community Sailing Center, the organization remains dedicated to providing sailing, stand-up paddling, and kayaking programs for adults, kids, families, and the wider community.
