Set sail in Galveston this holiday season
Aquatic and maritime adventures await in Galveston, and Sea Star Base Galveston (SSBG) is a worthwhile place to start.
“We are a non-profit, recreational boating and maritime education facility that offers a wide array of unique, highquality programs, classes and activities to the public, youth, scouts, corporate groups, and disabled members of the community,” said Amy Erickson, marketing and events director at Sea Star Base Galveston.
On weekends throughout the year, including November and December, SSBG offers four-hour Schooner Sunday trips ($50) and two-hour Sonar Race Saturday ($25). Participants sail with a qualified USCG licensed captain or certified skipper, and both events are available by reservation only for all ages and skill levels.
“Anyone can show up, and it’s all about meeting new people and having a great time. You can have a turn at operating the boat, or you can just sit back and enjoy the ride,” said captain Mike Janota, community sailing director at SSBG.
Community Sailing at SSBG offers many U.S. Sailing courses – in small centerboard sailboats (Learn to Sail Right), keelboats (Basic Keelboat), power boats, coastal navigation and cruising. Janota’s staff also teaches the First Sail Experience, a three-hour introductory course that allows first-time sailors to spend one hour on land and two hours on the water.
First Sail Experience sessions start in the classroom where students learn sailing terminology and sail theory. Afterwards, they rig the sailboat, practice different points of sail, sail trim, tacking, jibing, reading telltales, and review proper docking and storage techniques. Cost is $60 per person.
“Some people, including children, are understandably
nervous around water,” Janota said. “But through our classes, we hope to show them that sailing is a lifetime sport that can safely be enjoyed and shared by the entire family.”
On Nov. 28, the community can visit SSBG and learn about its programs during its Salty Tales & Ship Shape Pancakes event. From 4-7 p.m., guests can come for storytelling, music, skits and a book signing with Dr. Cristal Glangchai, author of VentureGirls. The event is free, and pancakes are available for purchase.
In the summer, SSBG offers swimming lessons, afterschool and summer sailing camp, and a youth sailing team that meets year-round on Saturday. Private charters, educational field trips and corporate team building events are also available.
“SSBG’s programs instill lifetime leadership and teamwork skills, and independence in body, mind and spirit. Our goal is for everyone to have fun and become excited about boating, whether it be on a kayak, sailboat or powerboat,” Janota said. “You don’t have to be wealthy, young or fully physically able to enjoy the sport. Community sailing is for everyone, and we provide an opportunity to create new memories with family and friends. We hope to see you on the water sometime soon.”
To learn more about Sea Star Base Galveston, go to ssbgalveston.org, visit @ssbgalveston on Facebook or call 409-572-2560.
On Nov. 28, the community can visit SSBG and learn about its programs during its Salty Tales & Ship Shape Pancakes event, from 4-7 p.m.