Community Service

In addition to providing low cost, high quality recreational sailing opportunities for a very large number of people, the Cal Sailing Club also provides some more specific community services. During "Open House" days, the general public is invited to come out for a free introductory sail. Although this is one of the Club's primary methods of obtaining new members, many people who have no intention of joining - who just want a one-time sail on the Bay - are gladly accommodated.

Open Houses are held at least once every month, and more frequently in the summer. The dates and time and are widely publicized in local newspapers, sailing magazines, and websites. Special Open Houses are also held to coincide with city-sponsored events held in the Berkeley Marina, such as the annual Berkeley Bay Festival. Club members generously donate many hours of their time so that every year roughly two thousand people can enjoy sailing on San Francisco Bay for free during CSC Open Houses.

CSC has also made its larger boats, along with a qualified volunteer skipper, available for use by groups of youth from local day camps, schools, and recreation centers. Many groups from Berkeley, Oakland and the surrounding communities have taken advantage of this opportunity. If your group wishes to arrange an outing with CSC, please contact the club's Commodore.

The members of the Cal Sailing Club believe that their organization is an outstanding example of how a "private" use can greatly enhance public access. Could any format other than a publicly accessible cooperative provide so much service at so little cost to the City or to the user?