Beyond the Race Course: Heritage, Stewardship and Connection at Spaulding
By Hailey Thompson - September 15th, 2025
When I first heard about Spaulding’s Summer Sea Camp, I had been working at the San Francisco Yacht Club’s Summer Sailing Program. It was my fourth year working for the SFYC program where, 13 years ago at the age of seven, I had learned to sail.
Hailey on helm and main during the 2023 Women’s Match Racing Championship in Annapolis, MD.
Later on, I sharpened my racing skills on the SFYC’s Opti, laser, and keelboat youth teams. Though I loved working at SFYC and had become an accomplished racer as a result of its Summer Sailing Program, I felt that I lacked important knowledge in areas such as local maritime heritage and an in-depth knowledge of boat work. When I heard that Spaulding’s program emphasized those topics, along with local ecological systems and woodworking, I saw an opportunity to complement the sailing experience that I already had and push myself to become a better sailor.
Growing up learning to race on San Francisco Bay, two broad fundamentals have allowed me to achieve many of my goals as a sailor. First, the importance of understanding our local ecosystems and climate has allowed me to become a more nuanced sailor and a more responsible steward of our pristine bay and coastline. Second, after graduating from the youth race teams and benefiting from the structure that comes with them, I quickly learned how a strong community is vital to becoming a better sailor, as well as to having continuing opportunities to sail.
Scenes from Summer Sea Camp. Hailey taught campers how to sail on SMC’s fleet of pelicans. She accompanied them on a ride aboard the Matthew Turner and helped them get a closer look at at the local sea life. Hailey also helped campers turn up some sawdust while they designed and built their own ships in the wood shop.
When Hailey wasn’t at the helm of Summer Sea Camp, she was busy on the podium of the US Women’s Match Racing Championship hosted at St Francis Yacht Club in August 2025. Her team took 1st Place!
I feel incredibly lucky to say that I found both of these fundamentals ingrained not only at Spaulding’s summer program but also in Spaulding’s philosophy as a whole. Upon joining the Spaulding Marine Center staff, I was welcomed both onto its team and into its community. While working at the Center, staff members have taught me about Spaulding’s heritage and its role in the Bay’s maritime history. When Spaulding staff members were eager to connect me with other experienced sailors and racers, I realized that the Spaulding community is focused on perpetuating a love for the sport, as well as an appreciation for our local environment and history. Becoming a part of this community has been hugely beneficial to me as both a sailor and a coach, allowing me to form a connection with different aspects of the sport—and with a community dedicated to maintaining Spaulding’s philosophy—out of a love for sailing.
Interested in supporting the Summer Sea Camp? Learn more about our Youth Programs and consider making a donation to continue the impact that the program has on youth development, confidence and skill.
