The impressionistic painting sailhog illustrated depicting sailing as an old geezer's club, may be his localized and narrowly focused vision. In the waters in and around Newport Harbor, this can't be any further from truth.
On any summer day, even thoughout the winter with frostbite series, scores of youthful sailors can be spotted gaining sailing experience through youth programs with Sail Newport and local Yacht Clubs. The many regattas on the Bay and Harbor have actually become navigational hazards to other boaters.
Sail Newport alone has youth programs starting with little guppies:
and 7-15 age groups sailing their 8 foot prams, like Optis:
11-17 year olds in Hunter 140s
all ages and skill levels in Windsurfers
11-18 year olds in their Lasers and C420s
and the 12-17 year olds in their J22s
It's by no means a dying sport around here.