This article was written and submitted by US Sailing Member, Mikah Panasik, of San Francisco, CA. Panasik also submitted photography to accompany the article.
In the realm of high school sports, most athletes have their game day on a field or court, with the surrounding sounds of fans and sneakers screeching. For high school sailors, however, the playing field is instead a vast landscape of open water, reaching towards the horizon and colored all different shades of cobalt blue. Instead of nets whooshing, the thrush of the wind and snap of the sail following a jibe is heard, while the last ten seconds before starting is made known through shrieks from a whistle.
Nestled in between landmarks, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, high school sailing makes a new and unique name for itself at the Saint Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco, California. Where waters are unpredictable and winds speak whispers of capsizing, this secluded sailing spot in the Bay is not for the physically, nor mentally weak.
High school sailing under the watch of the Golden Gate bridge calls for adventurous and resilient individuals. Gazing at the beauty of the mountains, the bridge, and the city, all presented in one eye opening blink and peripheral vision, awards young sailors with a feeling of inspirational awe. Unlike almost anywhere else, the Bay prompts young sailors to essentially chart their own course, in a literal sense. Coaches and sailors alike, comment that “If you can sail here, you can sail anywhere,” heard at almost every practice, followed by a strong heave over to one side of the boat to remain flat.
Where schools like Saint Ignatius, Bay, and many others can compete as separated schools, they can also rally together as a united force and club team. The sailors in the Bay emphasize the importance of teamwork in a sport that at first glimpse may seem individual. Sailing all over the coast of California, high school sailors have an experience like no other, which prompts them to create uncommon but fruitful connections with not only the encounters, but teammates as well.
With the ever-changing winds and tidal changes, especially in the San Francisco Bay, sailors have to consistently think quickly about strategy on the race course, and always more than once. Sailing, especially in small boats, is all about communication and trust between each other to be the most synced as feasible. Talking in the boat is encouraged, and independence is not possible in high school competition.
High school sailing is an experience where your background and sailing longevity is insignificant. What it comes down to is willingness and drive to face the rough waters and wakes that fly off of boats charging through the Bay, as one indivisible force. A usual practice day is long but fulfilling, starting with boat pairings and FJ boat rigging, leading into a briefing where coaches go over the course, the high wind, and most importantly how to sail in cooperation with the gusts.
With boats rigged and sailors strapped with their spray gear, life jackets, and mandatory helmets, the young adventurous set out to brave the water and the wind. A constant flattening of the boat by the crew is always needed, as well as a tight hold on the main, and jib sheets trimmed as tight as can be.
Along with practice days, regattas specifically foster intense connection. When sailing for over 5 or 6 hours in the middle of a body of water during a competition, whether it is at home or another city, it causes sailors to connect with their partner, and in turn, betters the dynamics and overall joy of the team. Sailing is an intimate sport, and especially in high school, it creates space for young teenagers to grow into their formative years with the ability to communicate with ease and enjoyment.
When San Francisco high school sailors look back on their years at Saint Francis, many often reminisce about Fleet Week during October, where those on the water get a view that is almost indescribable, and incredibly unique to the area. In the fall when San Francisco gets to experience its summer, a time comes when the Blue Angels zoom past homes and skyscrapers, and circle back directly atop the water in the Bay. With jets face to face with the sailboats, high school sailors are able to have a unique perspective of an event people look high and low to find a picturesque outlook of. With light traveling faster than sound, sailors watch the planes spin over the glistening water, soon following the booming roar where everyone stops pulling in on their lines, and gazes up at the beauty and excitement.
Competitive sailing in growing adolescent years provides a new perspective of not only the city of origin like San Francisco, but the world from a standpoint other than foot on land. Sailors get to experience the wonders of the earth and its elements from an outlook that reaches beyond the horizon setting over the bridge, at an age where many have yet to see the world’s beauty. High school sailing creates an opening and accessibility point for teenagers to embark on a voyage that many do not start until their adulthood.
Starting at such a young age, sailing offers its high schoolers a chance to make connections and a reliable network for life, whether that is with mentors and coaches, or a call that continuously brings graduated sailors back to the water in the Bay. At the end of their high school sailing journey, sailors realize that the experience granted more than mastering technique and strength.
Navigating the waters in the San Francisco Bay fostered an understanding of true teamwork and the never ending experience of learning. Sailors that graduate from the high school program are propelled towards continuing these lifelong friendships started at a young age, and rest on the common ground of knowing that the destination endpoint grew from the journey that sailing camaraderie had to offer.
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