Summer Sailstice Sailing Festival June 23, 2012

Bay area residents are invited to join sailors locally and around the world to celebrate the sailing lifestyle by getting out on the water for Summer Sailstice, Saturday, June 23--the weekend closest to the summer solstice.

Started in the Bay Area by Latitude 38 associate publisher John Arndt, Summer Sailstice marks its 12th year with a family-friendly celebration hosted at Encinal Yacht Club in Alameda. The sailing community and public are invited to attend this free full day event. Activities will include a harbor stroll, YRA regatta, photo scavenger hunt, educational seminars, USCG helicopter rescue demo, sailing demonstrations, boat building competition, marine exhibitors, free sail boat rides for families, entertainment food and beverage vendors, plus evening party.

Riding the Wave in Advance of America's Cup

"The America's Cup has created a growing interest in sailing and we've seen a dramatic increase from those inquiring about sailing lessons," said Don Durant, owner of Club Nautique in Alameda. "Summer Sailstice has been part of the sailing culture for over a decade now. We feel that anyone whose interest has been piqued by Cup activities needs to get over to this fun sailing festival."

"New for 2012 is the Estuary Stroll--which invites all Bay Area sailboats to hit the waves on the Alameda Estuary at 2pm and be part of the aerial photograph. In addition there is an evening party, YRA post-race raft-up and visit from the America's Cup yacht USA 76," adds Arndt.

Funds raised from Summer Sailstice support the Encinal Sailing Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity organization dedicated to promoting the sport of sailing through educational and instructional programs with an emphasis on Bay Area youths.

On a national level Summer Sailstice supports ocean preservation through a partnership with Sailors for the Sea.

For more information on attending the free Summer Sailstice festival visit http://www.summersailstice.com/sf

Official Website: http://www.summersailstice.com/sf