CGRA Community Sailing

The Columbia Gorge Racing Association (CGRA) is a non-profit organization established to promote the sport of sailing be encouraging public participation in sailing related activities within the Columbia River Gorge.

An important part of our mission is the CGRA Community Sailing Program which provides the Gorge Community with public access to sailing and sailing lessons for children

The Community Sailing Program was pioneered by Andy and Jaime Mack who had the vision of providing Hood River with a youth oriented learn-to-sail program.  So great was the success of this initial program, that it was adopted by CGRA with the intent of helping Andy and Jaime continue to build the program.  The program now offers sailing classes ranging from Beginner to Advanced for over 100 young sailors, ages 9-16, in both Cascade Locks and Hood River.

The program continues to grow thanks to our partnerships with the Hood River County Community Education Program, The Port of Hood River and The Port of Cascade Locks.  Of course Community Sailing would not be possible without the valuable  contributions of individuals who generously donate their time, talent and financial backing without which we could not operate the program.

The CGRA, established in 1996, is neither a yacht club nor a membership organization, Our programs are available to anyone who is interested in sailing.  The organization is comprised of a dedicated 18 member board of directors and a corps of volunteers, most of whom have sailed or administered the highest levels of international sailing competition.

Goals For 2008

Our primary goal is to have 130 kids on the water sailing and having fun this summer. We are also planning to introduce new boats to the program including the O'pen Bic, the Byte and the Laser.  Many of the kids who began sailing with us over the last three years have outgrown the Opti's, we believe these new boats will help keep them interested and involved in sailing.

We are also planning more organized "Open Sail Nights" in order to provide an opportunity for parents and kids to come down to the water and get out in the boats outside of class.  We will also be introducing our more motivated kids to racing, which will allow them to show their Gorge sailing skills in one of the best regatta venues in the country, right on their doorstep.

Goals For 2009

If all goes well in 2008 and we can raise enough funds; we intend to introduce high school sailing for kids in grade 9-12, who have never experienced small boat sailing and friendly competition.