South Bay Sailing
The South Bay is arguably the best place on the west coast to learn to sail. Wind and air temperatures are consistent, and rarely threatening, and the Channel Islands offer enough sailing explorations to fill a lifetime.
For those not fortunate enough to be brought up in a sailing family, King Harbor Marina offers three fine programs: South Bay Sailing, the King Harbor Yacht Club youth program and the City of Redondo sailing program.
All get high reviews. This year West Houston’s South Bay Sailing captured the most votes from our readers.
Houston started sailing when he was a student at Alta Vista School in Redondo Beach. After teaching sailing for the City of Redondo for several years, he opened South Bay Sailing in 2005. The school offers lessons on 26-foot J 80s, which are reknonwed for their speed and ease of sailing, and a 40-foot Farr. Individual and group classes range from beginning sailing to racing, navigation and American Sailing Association certification. Classes start at $275 for 12 hours of instruction. Four-week youth classes begin in March and a youth spring break class is offered. Lessons are given on 26-foot J/80s, which are widely regarded as the safest, easiest to sail one-design boats in the world. A 40-foot Farr is available for more advanced classes.
South Bay Sailing: 181 N. Harbor Dr., Redondo Beach. (310) 937-3180. ? southbaysailing.com
Runner-up: King Harbor Yacht Club, 280 Yacht Club Way, RB. (310) 376-2459.
