Hey, I am DETERMINED to engage in sailing. Need your support.

[TaoJones]

Apparently Gord has a problem with Orange Coast College - based on what personal knowledge I have no idea. So, again, I will re-state my central point:

The purpose of attending any two-year school is to cover the core curriculum in a cost-effective way, then transfer to a four-year school to complete the requirements for a bachelor's degree. I have no connection to Orange Coast College whatsoever, but I do know it to be a highly regarded institution (though not, apparently, by one person in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada). It just happens to be one that I know has a School of Sailing and Seamanship.

I never said it was the equivalent of the Merchant Marine Academy or the United States Naval Academy, but, it seems to me, a 17-year-old who doesn't know what career he intends to pursue, but does know he is drawn to the sea, and who's sailing experience is limited to dinghy sailing, would find the OCC program worthwhile. Recreational sailing is where you are, at the moment, and the OCC program could help you move up from your Sunfish in a cost-effective way, getting you experience on larger vessels right here in Orange County, while at the same time you can get the first two years of your quest for a bachelor's degree out of the way.

Yes, if you stray from the core curriculum and waste your time taking classes in Badminton Theory and Principles of Sneaker Design, the credits will not be accepted at any reputable university. But if you knuckle down and apply yourself to getting through the core curriculum, all of those credits will transfer!

If you're just heading into your senior year of high school, kk, your school should have student counselors available to explain all of this to you. The fact that you may not be aware of your options makes me wonder where you're located. If you've already graduated from high school, and never received the counseling that would help you, I'm very sorry for that inexcusable oversight and would highly recommend that you consider relocating to a state that places greater emphasis on higher education.

TaoJones

[Ex-Calif]

The two year and transfer option is not for everyone. I did it but I had $0 from the family so it was my own nickel.

A 4 year college has advantages.

In terms of "sailing" careers there are lot's of jobs in shipping both on-shore and off-shore, there are the lucky few who are really good at this and make a living as professional sailors. There is sailboat design, manufacturing and sales. There is instructing, yacht brokering and so on. I am shooting off the top of my head here but if yuo want a job, on in or near the sea there are plenty. Although not strictly sailing there are a ton of different career fields in off-shore oil drilling.

Not knowing you I wouldn't venture to guess if you were more technical/engineering or science or business. They all have their spots.

[windsaloft]

Another approach is to attend a college that is just a straight 4-year program, but located near a good sailing school --- OCSC in San Francisco, OCC in the LA area come to mind.....with a few classes/certs, he could become a dinghy instructor (ya always learn more when you teach others), take advantage of employee discounts on the keelboat basic and advanced classes, be available as a hand or crew on the larger boats for a variety of occasions, and eventually, as a known and experienced quantity, move into teach some more advanced classes, like basic keelboat. This model worked for a friend of mine who wanted to be a pilot, but couldn't afford an aviation college, and found a little flight school to get his instructor credentials and start teaching while taking business classes in college.

As a side note --- KK --- when Morning Light comes out this fall, make sure to see it. You'll be inspired!

[TaoJones]

Originally Posted by windsaloft

<snip>

As a side note --- KK --- when Morning Light comes out this fall, make sure to see it. You'll be inspired!

I agree with you on Morning Light, windsaloft, but last year I started a thread about what seemed to me to be an inspiring undertaking by young sailors:

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...tion-8876.html

As you can see, the membership here was underwhelmed by the story, or it could be that the Transpac doesn't resonate among non-California sailors. Still, I hope the movie is everything I thought it might be, and that audiences will respond well to it.

TaoJones

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and Welcome aboard! You've already got lots of response and information. I hope you'll continue to tune in to the forum.

I love those Sunfish. 55 years of proven sail non-technology.

Kind regards,
JohnL

[windsaloft]

Tao -- I was only so-so on "Morning Light" when I saw the ads and such --- I'm into the TransPac, but reading about the film just didn't light a fire --- maybe me, maybe the copy. But, at Strictly Sail, I was persuaded to go to the screening --- and THAT lit a fire under me about this incredible undertaking that is still excited.

I hope that Morning Light does for sailing what Top Gun did for Navy aviation recruiting. I found the preview insanely inspiring and very, very exciting. Maybe when the film arrives, you'll be hailed as a prophet!

Terri

[Oldfield]

Hi,

I just love the way all you sailors have responded to this young man. His dream gives me great hope and your consideration renews my faith in Man.

For my point of view, any education is a bonus. It does not matter what you do only that you do it as best as you can.

I have a PhD in neurobiology and I have worked as a truck loader, teacher, research scientist, real estate agent and am now the owner of a computer software company.

Go for it young man YOUR DREAMS WILL COME TRUE

[Kaya 09]

Old Dominion University in Va. has an excellent sailing program. They have an excellent record of sailing greats such as Terri Hutchison (tactician on Team New Zealand in the last AC), Anna Tunacliff - Currently ranked #1 in the world on the Laser Radial and about to compete in Beijing, Charlie Ogletree - Silver Medalist 2004 in the Tornado also about to compete in Beijing, Mike Martin - multiple times world champion in the 505's. This is to name a few... there are many more. The coach is Mitch Brindley. I have seen their sailing facilities and it top notch. Good luck to you.

[swagman]

Welcome also.
Hope you realise the dreams - nothings nicer.
JOHN