Testimonials

...on behalf of Girls Stepping Up For Change, I wanted to express our profound gratitude for the incredible experience given to the girls on Saturday. We are grateful for the opportunity to learn about sailing and the kindness displayed towards the girls. They all loved it and we are definitely looking forward to being out in the water again.

– A Youth Program Coordinator

I wanted to take a minute from this COVID19 craziness and on behalf of the Department and County express our extreme appreciation and heartfelt thanks for your partnership and the amazing support that you and the entire Blue Water Sailing Organization provide to the Camp Sweeney Youth and our staff. I am awed by the kindness, support and loving spirit that all the Blue Water members have. Thank you is not enough to tell you how we feel about all you and Blue Water Member do for these youth. It really is an honor for our department to partner with such amazing selfless community members. Please feel free to share my email with all the Blue Water Members who provide such wonderful service to very deserving youth who are in desperate need for role models such as Blue Water Members provide. Very Best Regards,

– Wendy Still Chief Probation Officer Alameda County Probation

Our school group took an AMAZING sailing trip recently with 10 boys — 9 of whom had never been sailing or on the Bay before, including two were not sure what sailing was :). The Blue Water volunteers complemented our students so well, and the the trip was truly transformational.

– Jody Tsapis, high school wellness coordinator

I wanted to thank Blue Water Foundation for a fantastic sailing trip last week. The staff and volunteers were amazing with our students - attentive, kind, and very welcoming - and truly dedicated themselves to making sure our trip was a memorable experience. Most of our 11 students had never been on a boat before, let alone sailed beneath the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz, and we could not have asked for a better crew on this unique day.

– Teacher Mission High School

I've got to tell you, sailing with BWF is such a big deal. I could go on forever about the impact it has on their lives, but also the impact on school culture and the fact that their principal is spending time with them doing something so special as well. It facilitates a relationship that I can get to their hearts and help them heal. I'm pretty much like the dad for 180 kids who do not have any role models or an adult they can trust. You guys open doors to changing lives. Thanks for the opportunity for me to help my kids.

– Marty Mathiesen – Principal, Silver Springs High School

Just wanted to send you a quick note to let you know that I am retiring from my position as Chief Juvenile Probation Officer. One of the highlights of my 30 year career in probation has been the partnership with the Blue Water Foundation. Your commitment to providing exposure to sailing on the SF Bay to youth in the juvenile justice system is unprecedented and amazing for San Francisco and Bay Area youth! Thank you for believing in us and our kids!

– Allen Nance, SF Chief Juvenile Probation Officer

"The mentor was amazing to work with. I had to face my fears by being courageus [sic]...”

– Probation Dept. youth participant

The Greenagers really enjoyed the sail and learned a lot from the the crew. The crew was amazing at sharing information about the sail boats, tides, teaching them how to steer the sail boat and engaging with the Greenagers.

– Tracy Phan, Outdoor Coordinator, SFR&P

I wanted to send a quick note to once again express my deep appreciation for the invitation extended by the Blue Water Foundation to the representatives from the San Francisco Superior Court, our justice partners, and community based organizations to experience the wonder opportunity Blue Water provides to our justice involved youth. Having the opportunity to meet you experienced volunteers and enjoy the San Francisco Bay while engaging in team building exercises and activities is something that I hope all of our youth have an opportunity to experience. On behalf of Judge Flores and myself - thank you! We look forward to continuing to assist your organization in its collaboration with the Juvenile Probation Department.

– Hon. Monica F. Wiley

Dear Blue Water Sailing Team, Thank you so much for such a fun and exciting day on the sailboat. We all had so much fun! We really appreciate your time!

– Francisco Middle School

I just want to thank you for the sails this summer from the waterfront side of Rec & Park! The kids had a great time! We look forward to doing more sails with you next year -

– SF Rec & Park Coordinator

I wanted to take a minute from this COVID19 craziness and on behalf of the Department and County express our extreme appreciation and heartfelt thanks for your partnership and the amazing support that you and the entire Blue Water Sailing Organization provide to the Camp Sweeney Youth and our staff. I am awed by the kindness, support and loving spirit that all the Blue Water members have. Thank you is not enough to tell you how we feel about all you and Blue Water Member do for these youth. It really is an honor for our department to partner with such amazing selfless community members. Please feel free to share my email with all the Blue Water Members who provide such wonderful service to very deserving youth who are in desperate need for role models such as Blue Water Members provide. Very Best Regards,

– Wendy Still Chief Probation Officer Alameda County Probation

I wanted to take a minute from this COVID19 craziness and on behalf of the Department and County express our extreme appreciation and heartfelt thanks for your partnership and the amazing support that you and the entire Blue Water Sailing Organization provide to the Camp Sweeney Youth and our staff. I am awed by the kindness, support and loving spirit that all the Blue Water members have. Thank you is not enough to tell you how we feel about all you and what Blue Water Members do for these youth. It really is an honor for our department to partner with such amazing selfless community members who provide such wonderful service to very deserving youth in desperate need for role models such as Blue Water Members provide.

– Wendy Still, Chief Probation Officer, Alameda County

The trip was AMAZING! The students had a blast and the crew was fantastic! Thank you for helping to make this possible. We are incredibly grateful to you and the organization.

– Group Chaperone, Life Academy of Health & Bioscience