Executive Director Fall Update

Dear Friends & Supporters,

The Friends of Belmar Harbor celebrated an incredible 2025 Summer Sailing season with 325 children participating in our Learn to Sail, Adventure, and Discovery programs. This summer was one of our most successful yet — full of learning, laughter, teamwork, and a growing love for sailing.

Under the guidance of an exceptional coaching staff, sailors of all ages and skill levels took to the water to explore, challenge themselves, and develop new skills. Our Optimist Learn to Sail programs, led by Coach Eduardo (Edu), Coach Isabela and Coach Carson, introduced dozens of young sailors to the fundamentals of sailing and seamanship. Meanwhile, campers experienced the thrill of sailing with friends aboard the Hobie Cats with Coach Rylie, learning the importance of balance, communication, and fun on the water.

In our 420 program, sailors advanced their skills and teamwork under the leadership of Coach Sara, while we proudly launched the new Belmar Skiff Program, a 29er development initiative led by Coach Isabela. This exciting new program represents the next step in building performance sailing opportunities at FOBH.

Of course, no summer would be complete without our much-loved Shark River Discovery Camp, where younger participants explored marine science, ecology, and on-water adventure. The camp was led by former FOBH camper Gabriella Thomas, along with Jenna Sharin and Erin Palmer, with the invaluable help of one of our returning favorites, Geoff Moritz.

We were also thrilled to welcome our three talented international coaches from Spain, Edu Ojeda from Gran Canaria, and sisters Isabela and Sara Momplet from Valencia who brought enthusiasm, expertise, and a global perspective to our sailing community.

As we look back on a summer filled with wind, waves, and friendship, we are grateful to everyone who made it possible — our staff, volunteers, families, and, most importantly, the sailors who continue to make the Friends of Belmar Harbor such a vibrant and inspiring place to learn and grow.

Here’s to another great season of sailing ahead — see you on the water in 2026!

Sincerely,

Brian Hull

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Looking Ahead to 2026

Registration for the 2026 Summer Sailing Camp opens November 1st! FOBH will once again offer weekly, monthly, and full-summer sessions — from Learn to Sail to Learn to Race, 29er Sailing, Adventure Sailing, and Discovery Camp.

FOBH is also excited to announce a new partnership with another 29er program in Annapolis, Maryland, to coordinate the continued growth of our Belmar Skiff – 29er Development Race Program. We are looking for six to eight dedicated sailors who are ready to commit to sailing four days a week, learning how to sail and race the 29er, and competing in select regattas next summer. This collaboration marks an important step in building high-performance youth sailing opportunities in New Jersey.

We’re also inviting parents to get involved by joining the Friends of Belmar Harbor Board of Directors to help guide the organization’s continued growth and ensure that FOBH remains on the right course for years to come.

New this year, we are introducing FOBH Family Memberships, which provide access to FOBH’s stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) and kayaks during member hours on weekends and weeknights.

And don’t forget — sailing isn’t just for the kids! Mom and Dad can Learn to Sail too in our Adult Sailing Program, offered on the Hobie Cats and Melges 15s.

For more details or to register, visit our website or contact Brian Hull at brianhull@fobhnj.org or 732-539-7905

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