Maricopa Youth Mariners

05/11/2026

The Mariners have had a blast over the past few weekends and, through both clouds and sunshine, have had some great days as the lake has provided some really solid winds for these kids to continue learning. As you will see in the photos, the program acquired its first of many Melges 15s, and just this past weekend we took possession of our second. We will have these kids up to sailing asym kites in no time at all. They have all advanced to the point where the consensus is definitely "faster is better," so that's what we are doing. The M15s will provide a very long runway for them to learn, so we are set up terrifically to finish out the spring session and start prepping for the fall. From the RS Teras, to RS Zests / Lasers / Sunfish, to the spinnakers in the B-14 and the Melges 15s, we are set up well to not only teach, but to advance and challenge these kids' knowledge and skill sets. The future looks insanely bright for our program, and as always, we are very thankful for the help and support from the marina, the RV resort park, and from all the folks who pass by on the docks and offer their help..., thank you. Pleasant Harbor at Lake Pleasant, Lake Pleasant Az Boaters, Tiller and Kites.

12/17/2025

We had two terrific weekends to close out the fall session. To start, the last day in the small boats on the lake was beautiful, with just enough wind to get the kids wanting to start using the trapezes on the C-15s. I told them, spring is coming..., you'll get many more chances in the near future. Then, for the first time ever, we took a small handful out to the coast to sail in the their first larger regatta at Mission Bay YC. Larry (MRYC member) was hugely supportive and arranged for us to borrow four Sunfish, and along with a Finn, two adults and three kids all got to participate in a weekend of sailing. We have been building to this for some time, and now that we have the first one under our belts, we hope to do this at least once per fall and spring sessions. Though a bit shellshocked at first, the kids warmed up to it quickly and told us that they are already looking forward to the next time.

Spring session starts in early March and we can always make room for kids who want to learn to sail, so please don't hesitate to contact us.

As always, this program exists because of all of you who support us, so thank you. We also truly appreciate the years of support from Pleasant Harbor at Lake Pleasant, Tiller and Kites, and everyone down on the docks with Lake Pleasant Az Boaters who are always willing to lend a hand. Thank you...!

11/04/2025

Well, it was hard, but we did it. Everyone asked us to please hold off on the holiday décor fundraiser until after Halloween because it simply become too much..., and we did. I think this idea will work because, even though all orders must be placed by November 10th, buying a wreath and garland for holiday decoration isn't a three month long decision making process, so I truly think focusing our efforts over a single week will work.

As many of you have come to know, these wreaths, garland, and other items are delivered super fresh, from trimmed trees (not cut down...), and can be sent straight to your doorstep. This direct shipping allows our program to stretch across all 50 states. We haven't hit all 50 yet, but it's a goal.

I was on the phone with Sherwood Forest today and got the answer to the question most often asked after the orders are placed. The orders from our order will be delivered between Dec. 1st and 9th. This timing is due mainly to us being located in a much warmer state than others, thus, they hold them for just a bit. Our entire order gets processed at one time, so even if you are in Maine, your order through our group will land your wreaths and other décor in early December with the rest of us.

The program earns $20 per items purchased, whether direct or group shipped, so please know that your participation goes a very long way in supporting our youth program.

Here is a link to Tate's page for all purchases:

https://sherwoodfundraiser.com/mymariners/tate

Thank you in advance for all of your support. Every order helps tremendously. Remember - NOV. 10th...

This is our seventh year running this fundraiser, and it's a huge hit. Special thanks to the folks at Pleasant Harbor at Lake Pleasant, the folks at Lake Pleasant Az Boaters whose support on the docks and ramps is great, and Victor at Tiller and Kites. This program is truly a team effort.

11/04/2025

Last weekend was another terrific AZ weekend..., it's no wonder the Snowbirds have already returned en-force..., it's wonderful outside. We did things a bit differently last weekend. Arizona Yacht Club was running their annual Dinghy Days regatta, and though we wanted to participate, and Bruce was relentless in asking, we decided to hold off until next year, which is when everyone will know the Rules of Sailing. To start the process and prep for all the sailing we will do prior to next year, or possibly even a dinghy regatta this spring, we decided to focus on sail trim, understanding the race course, and basic rules. The sail trim was done on land, then we took to the water to watch the regatta and discuss what the kids were seeing. Pulling on all the lines, then seeing what it does to the sail from all angles, then being on a floating classroom for the balance of the day made for a terrific day. We have been blessed with a great group of kids this fall..., they'll be ready for the next regatta.

As always, many thanks to everyone at Pleasant Harbor at Lake Pleasant, everyone on the dock who always offer to help Lake Pleasant Az Boaters, and Victor at Tiller and Kites. Through all of their support, the programs is growing in leaps and bounds...!

10/28/2025

10/28/2025

Last Saturday, AZ gave us another beautiful day on the water, so we took full advantage of it and launched a few C-15s. These hadn't been in the water in a while and we quickly remembered how much we love these boats. Stable, enough sail area to make a decent puff fun, and enough room for our kids (growing like weeds...) to move around and learn that sailing is not a sedentary sport. This step was important because the new group of younger Mariners will be joining us this spring, so this was a great day. Expect to see them out there in the C-15s much more often. We will spend this weekend running some land training drills to continue their growth, and in doing so, will be getting a few more C-15s ready for the water. Seeing that the program has ten of these boats, you'll be seeing much more of them.

In addition to the C-15s, we will be moving the more experienced kids to a C-22, an older 505, and a J-24 in the coming weeks. Once comfortable on the boats and more knowledgeable of the Rules of Sailing, the racing will begin.

The kids have really taken to the sport this season and it's helping to move us forward very quickly, which is fun to see.

As always, a huge thanks to everyone at Pleasant Harbor at Lake Pleasant, the members of Lake Pleasant Az Boaters who support us, and Victor at Tiller and Kites.

10/20/2025

As the program grows, so do the opportunities we offer to the kids. While those who are brand new to sailing, with some experiencing being a boat for the very first time, learn on the RS boats (this coming weekend will be backwards sailing..., it'll get great photos), the kids who have been with us a while will start exploring the lake on C-22s and J-24s. The plan is to have them out racing the C-22s in the spring because with five new students starting, we need the small boat space.

For those of you who have supported our program in past years through participation in our annual wreath and holiday décor offering, it will be posted here shortly.

As always, a huge thanks to Pleasant Harbor at Lake Pleasant, our friends in Lake Pleasant Az Boaters, and Victor at Tiller and Kites.

09/22/2025

Another great day on the lake! Seven sailors, with four of them being "first time ever" sailors, had a great time learning the reverse-aspect of the tiller and spent all afternoon capsizing and righting their boats. The RSVPs for next weekend put us at twelve...! We keep growing and teaching, and we think it's great. As the wind picks-up this fall, the days are only going to get better. By spring, expect to see the kids move up into C-15s because 1) they'll be ready, and 2) we have five additional "newbies" starting and will need the space in the RS boats (which are terrific boats!).

As always, a huge thank you to Pleasant Harbor at Lake Pleasant for your help and support in making all of this happen for these kids.

Many more good days are ahead. Please contact us if your child has any interest in joining the fun.

09/16/2025

Fall session has begun. As usual this time of year, there is not a lot of wind, but what a perfect day to run capsize/recovery drills for our new students. We started with 12 on Saturday, have already added 2 more for next weekend, and have 5 on-deck to join this spring. Our program is in full swing and we are thrilled.

Interested in having some fun..., please join us!

Thanks to..., Pleasant Harbor at Lake Pleasant, Tiller and Kites, and everyone at the RV park for your support.