by Garth Meyer
The city of Redondo Beach will seek a non-profit organization to run its 40-year-old sailing program.
The city council voted March 13 to make the change after a presentation from Kelly Orta, senior management analyst in the Redondo Beach Community Services department.
She noted the sailing camps and lessons’ average annual expense is $74,613. Average revenue is $46,507.
The city uses two slips in Portofino Marina for its two 14-foot Catalina sloops. The city rents another five slips in King Harbor Marina for its other boats; two 27-foot sloops, a 26-foot sloop, a 25-foot sloop and a 13-foot Boston Whaler.
Redondo Beach may sell its boats to whatever organization takes over the sailing program, whether that is an entity that runs the lessons and camps outright, or on a “70-30” contract basis, which the city does with many other educational activities.
For example, if a music class costs $100, $70 goes to the teacher and $30 to the city.
“My recommendation would be to go the contract-class route,” said Cameron Harding, Redondo Beach community services director.
In the past two years, the city has become more involved in its sailing program.
Previously, students completing classes would be invited to become members of the Redondo Beach Sailing Club, founded in 1973. In November 2020, the community services department, under previous director John LaRock, arranged for the Sailing Club’s membership fees to be collected by the city.
“No formal agreement was in place, they were using city boats and taking all membership fees,” said Harding. “The city was not getting a dime for it.”
Membership fees are $300 per year. The city also took over renting of the boats a year and a half ago.
At the March 13 city council meeting, Mayor Bill Brand recalled taking sailing lessons from the city in the 1980s, and proposed the city issue a request for proposals to operate the program.
Councilman Nils Nehrenheim gave his support, even if the city has to subsidize the sailing program.
“The harbor makes plenty of money,” Nehrenheim said. “This is not part of our core services. Making money is not the point.”
The lessons and camps have a waiting list, according to Harding.
Councilman Todd Loewenstein made a motion to find a non-profit and donate the two 14-foot sloops. Nehrenheim seconded the motion.
The vote was 5-0. A non-profit would take over in 2023.
The Redondo Beach Sailing Club, with 25-30 members, has shown a desire to take over the two slips at Portofino Marina, and possibly the two 14-foot sailboats.
The California Coastal Commission requires that two slips be provided for a community service oriented non-profit.
“If we have to dissolve at some point, we will,” said Mike Martin, Redondo Beach Sailing Club president. “The hope is we will end up with possession of the two slips and boats. That would be a good starting place to re-start club activities. The boats would be nice, but not essential.”
The city council also agreed last week to draft a letter to County Supervisor Holly Mitchell inviting kids from across the district to come for sailing lessons as part of the county’s youth W.A.T.E.R. program (Water Awareness Training Education & Recreation). ER
