Mulberry Cove Marina Hosts NJROTC Sailing Class 2007

The program is offered to students between the ages of 14-17. NAS Jax is one of three sites in the country to host this annual event with the other programs taking place in Annapolis, Md. and San Diego. The fee for the class is only $180, which is substantially less

The NJROTC students warm up doing some morning physical fitness before they begin their day out on the water.

than the same class that is offered on the outside for $1,500. Students are housed at the NAS Jax Bachelor Officer's Quarters and eat most of their meals in the base galley. This year, the course was opened up to 83 students. Individuals who attend this course are selected based on a criteria consisting of grades, their desire to learn to sail and ability to get along with others.

Certified sailing instructor Lt. Cmdr. Robert Spencer started the sailing program here seven years ago. Spencer is certified through the United States Sailing Association and the Chief of Naval Education and Training. "I started this program to give teens an outlet for the summer. Teens 'need' a structured environment and this course provides them with a way to be involved. A lot of them come from single parent families and myself, along with 16 other instructors, serve as mentors to them. We spend a week teaching them the skills they need to sail a boat and give them the opportunity to see what a military base is actually like. We hope that one day they may decide the military is a career field for them," commented Spencer.

NJROTC cadets work together raising the sails before heading out on the river.

The week commences in a classroom environment where the students learn the basics of boat handling. Teaching begins with sailing terminology,

boating techniques and last but most importantly, water safety where they are required to pass a deep-water swim test.

Students then head out to the base marina on the St. Johns River where the actual hands-on portion of the class begins. Students are given the opportunity to work independently and also as part of a team. While some students are on the water, others are on land with the shore side crew learning drills, physical training and basic training. There are four certified safety swimmers and lifeguards who teach the teens safety and most of these instructors have been with the program for at least five years.

Photo by Bob Spencer Commander, Navy Region Southeast Adm. Mark Boensel talks to the students about safety issues at the Mulberry Cove Marina before they set sail on the St. Johns River.

When on the water, powerboats and sailing vessels are used. The smaller boats include 15 lasers, 12 420's and flying juniors. With six students and one instructor on each boat, students are taught crewing techniques, how to drive, perform approach on buoys, basic navigation and man overboard recoveries.

Jessica Drawhorn, who is a prior cadet and is commanding officer for the cadets this year, is in charge of making sure all the cadets get back and forth to their destinations while keeping overall order. Drawhorn who attends Nease High School located in St. Johns County, Fla. said, "I like the structure of the class because it gives students the basic skills and instruction in a class and then they are brought outside to demonstrate what they've learned. Keeping track of all the cadets is a hard job but I really enjoy it."

NJROTC cadets guide a speed boat along the pier to be pulled out of the water.

The NJROTC sailing camp at NAS Jax is known as the largest, best sail training academy of all the NJROTC's in 13 areas. The students enjoyed trips to the bowling alley, swimming pool, and were given a barbeque during their time off the river. "Without the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department and the accommodations of the base, we just wouldn't be able to offer this class to the cadets," added Spencer.

"I've always loved the sport and I'm glad I'm here learning how to actually do it. Camp has been a great learning experience. Maybe one day I can take my friends out sailing with me," remarked Gunter Myers of Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville. Myers added he was thrilled to be given the opportunity to attend the camp.

Camp ended with a graduation ceremony Friday afternoon. Campers were a little tired and weary, but were excited about their new boating skills and all the new friendships they had made.

NJROTC cadets from Florida and Georgia high schools attended a one-week summer camp at NAS Jax last week. The camp teaches the teens how to navigate five different types of boats.