CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Whether it is sailing in competitions, or for recreation with family and friends, sailing is one of the Coastal Bend's most popular water sports.
Joe Hanko, Corpus Christi Yacht Club sailing director, said Corpus Christi is a top destination for the sport.
"It's world class sailing here, and there's a lot of opportunity and a lot of space," Hanko said.
Hanko became a licensed captain in 1993. A certified U.S. Sailing instructor trainer for 23 years, he teaches based off his experience on the water. He said he learned how to sail when his wife and him bought a boat--and a book.
"I know all the mistakes, and I know what I wish I would've known when I was learning, and so I apply that to what I'm teaching the kids," Hanko said.
Hanko said the easiest way to learn to sail is to sign up for lessons. There is junior yacht club camp for little kids, sailing classes for kids ages eight-12 years old, and specific teaching for kids ages 13-17 years old based on the boat.
For those interested in racing, he said new team members can be surprised when they first get out on the water.
"They realize how much endurance you have to have and coordination," Hanko said. "A lot of core strength. It's, you get winded if you're not in good shape."
Teens can join high school teams and progress to college. Hanko said he coached multiple high schoolers that went on to join Division I sailing teams. Some of his students even got offers to join the Olympic training team.
Yacht club Assistant Sailing Director Melia Culp used to take sailing camp there when she was younger. She said it is a lot of fun being out on the water and there is plenty of support when you are new to the sport.
"Everyone's kind of here to help you out, so really no reason to be nervous or scared about it. Just jump head-first into it if you really like it," Culp said.
Sailing championships are hosted in the Coastal Bend by the Corpus Christi Yacht Club. Hanko said Corpus Christi has a great reputation worldwide for adult sailing regattas.
He said sailing is a lifetime sport, with kids as young as six years old and adults in their 80s sailing on different types of boats.
"The sky's the limit," Hanko said. "You can make a career out of it, there's a lot of things you can do. Or you can just be a weekend sailor and enjoy the water."
Hanko urges teens interested in sailing to join a high school team. There are currently racing clubs at London High School, Flour Bluff High School and Incarnate Word Academy. You can also talk to him at the yacht club about forming a team if your school does not have one.
As for parents, he said adult lessons begin later this summer so they can share the sport with their kids.