Service members are afforded the opportunity to become certified to sail the seven seas.
The Del Mar Marina and Sailing Center offers sailing instruction and certification for basic, intermediate, spinnaker, youth and advanced youth sailing, along with coastal navigation.
The marina also offers rentals on kayaks, power boats and a two-hour sunset harbor cruise that tours the Del Mar boat basin and the Oceanside Harbor.
All active duty service members, retirees, Department of Defense employees and their families who possess a military identification card are eligible to participate in these boat recreations.
"The on-base marina is a benefit that most active duty service members and retirees don't take advantage of," said retired Lt. Cmdr. Glenn T. LaBarge, from Poway, Calif. "The sailing instructors are very professional and knowledgeable."
LaBarge stated that safety is the number one priority when they're out sailing. Prior to sailing, he was taught man-overboard drills, navigational courses and what to do in event of a boat collision.
With safety comes fun. Both boat enthusiasts and curious people looking for an adventure can come out to test their capabilities on the open sea.
"The marina gives service members a chance to decompress, blow off steam and spend time with their family and friends," said Peter T. Knowlton, recreation assistant, Del Mar Marina and Sailing Center, 44, from Yokosuka, Japan. "I've never had to deal with a bad customer because everyone that comes to the marina is here to have fun."
According to the Del Mar Marina and Sailing Center instructors, there are some who enjoy the marina once a summer, while others are out there every weekend sailing the high seas.
"It's great to be out here on our own, relaxing with the fresh air on our faces and the sun on our backs," said Amy Haller, a Marine spouse, 27, from Tucson, Ariz. "I also enjoy that our boat is being powered by the wind, not an engine."
For more information on the Del Mar Marina and Sailing Center, hours of operation, rental prices and what they offer, call (760) 725-2820/7245 or visit their website at www.mccscp.com.