Frequently asked questions

Answered by a team member at King Harbor Youth Foundation

• What is your mission?

  Our mission is to provide children from all backgrounds access to the sport of sailing so they can build self-esteem, teamwork, responsibility, and respect for the environment through safe, high-quality instruction and community programs.

• How are donations used?

  Donations help support year-round sailing instruction, keep program fees affordable, fund scholarships for kids in need, maintain and replace boats and safety gear, and expand our New Channels community outreach that lets underserved youth experience being on the water at no cost.

• What can be done with a $100 donation?

  A $100 donation can help provide quality instruction, safety equipment, and outreach opportunities for young sailors, and bring us closer to offering scholarships so every child has the chance to participate regardless of financial need. Even modest gifts help sustain programming and keep sailing accessible.

• What progress has been made already thanks to your donors?

  Thanks to donor support, KHYF has taught hundreds of kids to sail each year, grown its Optimist race teams, maintained a large fleet of over 35 boats, and continues to offer scholarships and outreach through New Channels so that more youth can experience the joy of being on the water.

• What is the history of your organization?

  The King Harbor Youth Foundation was established in 1982 to promote youth sailing in Southern California. Since then, we have expanded to offer year-round sailing camps, instructional classes, junior and high school race teams, and community outreach programs—all built on a foundation of teaching life skills through sailing and serving families in the South Bay community.