Students with no experience on boats — some of them even with no experience near bodies of water — set sail in Newport Harbor as part of the sailing class at Back Bay High School.
In partnership with Orange Coast College’s (OCC) School of Sailing and Seamanship, Back Bay High School offers students the opportunity to gain practical sailing skills such as knot tying, boat rigging, and navigation, as well as the opportunity to sail in the harbor, all while earning elective credits.
“It’s crazy amazing. The students are so excited, engaged, and happy every week. This is truly an incredible experience for them,” said teacher Bernard Jain.
Offered each quarter, the class is funded by OCC scholarships, making it accessible to all Back Bay students. Keeping the class size small — typically 10-15 students — allows each student to receive individualized instruction from Jain and OCC instructors.
Sailing offers a holistic educational experience that integrates geography, math, and physics concepts such as angles and wind patterns. While students navigate real-time challenges on the water, they are encouraged to think critically, reflect on their decisions, and respond creatively to dynamic conditions.
Students typically sail in teams of two and work together, taking turns as captains and practicing good communication skills to make the best decisions about sail adjustments and navigation. Students learn to make quick decisions and manage the safety of the vessel and its crew. “The hands-on leadership experience is invaluable to building their confidence and initiative,” said Jain.
In addition to life skills, Back Bay students gain an awareness of the natural environment around them. In Newport Harbor, they regularly encounter local plants and wildlife, including animals that congregate on the seal buoy.
“The sailing course has been very successful. It gets students away from electronics and their everyday worries and puts them in a place that benefits them mentally and physically,” Jain said.
The course is also part of OCC’s Professional Mariner Program, which offers pathways to careers in the maritime industry. This experience helps prepare students for future educational endeavors and opportunities they may not have previously considered.