Local towns taking part in junior sailing program

Looking for fun in a sport that doesn’t involve line drills, running laps or calisthenics? The Friends of the Belmar Harbor has partnered with the Shark River Roundtable — with representation from Avon, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Neptune City, Neptune Township and Wall — to offer a three-week instructional junior sailing program again this summer.

Each town will offer eight residents, ages 10 to 16, a sponsorship to participate in the instructional sailing program free of charge, said Wall Township recreation Coordinator Ed Grill. All equipment will be supplied and participants must provide their own transportation to and from Belmar’s L Street beach.

The program will be offered at the Belmar Marina from 12:30 until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, Aug. 4-22.

Eligible participants must be able to participate in the entire three-week program, have parental consent, and have transportation to and from the marina. The program is for beginners and participants must know how to swim.

“It’s a wonderful program,” Mr. Grill said, adding that those interested will have to devote an intense three weeks to the program.

Through this program, the Friends of the Belmar Harbor hope to introduce participants to some watercraft skills, and share their enjoyment of being on the water. The past few year’s programs have been such a success that the Shark River Roundtable is pleased to offer the program again this year, according to Mr. Grill.

The instructional sailing program will culminate with light competition in a Mayors’ Trophy Regatta race on Aug. 22, highlighting the skills learned during the program.

Interested applicants should contact the respective representatives in their town on or before May 10: Avon — Doug Carter, 732-272-6751; Belmar — Mike Campbell, 732-681-3700; Bradley Beach — Cynthia Brady, 732-776-2993 or 732-681-3700 ext. 211; Neptune City — Tom Adcock, 732-774-0089; Neptune Township — Dawn Thompson, 732-869-1202; and Wall — Ed Grill, 732-449-8444, ext. 250.

Interested applicants will be required to submit an application, according to Mr. Grill. Representatives from the participating towns will then review all of the applications and come up with 8 children from each town to take part in the program. Each town will determine their eligible participants individually.