Dyes Inlet and the Port of Silverdale is a perfect location to learn to sail, join a sailing team, or attend a regatta. Sailors can range across Dyes Inlet without worries about things like strong currents, commercial traffic, or dangerous obstructions. Dyes Inlet is shallow which means it warms up early in the season and is quite refreshing on hot summer days. The long dock and scenic waterfront park provide great viewing of practices, regattas, Mt Rainier and the Olympic Mountains. The Port of Silverdale, with support from the Kitsap Sailing Foundation (KSF) (www.kitsapsailing.org), a non-profit organization, offers near year round youth and adult sailing opportunities.
K8-12 High School Sailing
Competitive High School Sailing is available to secondary school students in the Central Kitsap region at the Port of Silverdale. The spring season is mid-February through May, followed by club sailing through mid-June. Fall season is mid-August to November. Co-ed teams from Olympic, Klahowya, and Central Kitsap schools have practiced and traveled together since 2006. Sailing is popular with Running Start students, and private and homeschooled students may also join. No prior sailing experience is required. The Northwest Interscholastic Sailing Association (NWISA) (www.nwisa.org) governs high school sailing in the region with over 55 teams and teams are growing rapidly. Local sailing teams currently hail from North Kitsap, Kingston, Bainbridge Island, Gig Harbor and Central Kitsap. Experienced high school sailors may choose to become US Sailing Level 1 Instructors and are eligible to obtain summer positions teaching youth sailing camps.
Youth & Teen Summer Sailing Camps
Summer sailing camps emphasize learning sailing skills and include STEM curriculum for youth ages 8+ and teens. Sailing camps are offered weekly from July 10 - August 4, 2023 from 9:30 am-12:30 pm for youth, 1:30pm-4:30pm for teens, and will include new experiences each week for returning sailors. Registration information is available at www.kitsapsailing.org and www.portofsilverdale.com.
Other Youth & Adult Sailing Opportunities
Youth and high school sailors may improve their skills by practicing on Dyes Inlet and enjoy racing in the NW Youth Racing summer regattas (www.nwyouthsailing.org). KSF offers adult sailing lessons and Monday night community sailing nights during the summer at the Port of Silverdale. KSF is looking for US Sailing Level 1-2 sailing coaches and others with experience to volunteer and help grow programs. Contact ksrf.sailing@gmail.com for more information. KSF works hard to keep sailing accessible and affordable to help youth learn skills for a lifetime. Donations for scholarships, boats and equipment are welcome to sustain the programs.
Mission
Kitsap Sailing Foundation is a community program run by volunteers, along with the Port of Silverdale. Our mission is to teach sailing to the young and old, novice and experienced for fun, exercise, and competition. The Port brings programs for sailing and rowing to the public through it's cooperation with the non-profit (501-C3) Kitsap Sailing Foundation, which runs programs and maintains equipment.
Needs
Kitsap Sailing Foundation provides sailing opportunities for youth and adults in Kitsap County.
Our 2023 Kitsap Great Give goal is to raise $3,000 to help protect the Central Kitsap area High School Sailing Teams' FJ sailboats from the harsh weather elements! Your donation can make a huge difference in keeping the boats in top condition and ready to race. With proper covers, the boats will last longer and require less maintenance, allowing the team to focus on training and competing.
We are grateful for any support you can provide, no matter how big or small. Every dollar counts, and your donation will make a real difference in the success of the Central Kitsap High School Sailing Team.
Together, we can help the team achieve their goals and create a strong foundation for future sailors. Thank you for your support!
Scholarship Fund
Did you know that many kids miss out on the opportunity to learn to sail because of financial barriers? You can help change that by donating to the Kitsap Sailing Foundation scholarship fund. Your donation can make a world of difference for a young sailor. http://www.kitsapsailingrowing.org/donate.html
Safety Boat needed
Our sailors are the future of the sport, and their safety is our top priority. Join us in our mission to keep our sailors safe by donating to Kitsap Sailing Foundation's new safety boat fund. Your donation can make a big difference in our ability to provide a safe sailing environment. Due to our near year round programming and having safety boats on the water in the summer, we have sometimes also been a well appreciated resource on occasion for boater, kayakers and SUP folks in need of assistance.