Leeway Sailing and Aquatics Center
5437 E. Ocean Blvd.
(562) 570-1719
(.7 acres)

    Information

    The Leeway Sailing and Aquatics Center has had "the wind at it's back" throughout its long history. Founded in 1929 to teach local youth the basics of sailing, the Leeway Sailing and Aquatics Center is regarded as one of the premier municipal instructional sailing programs in the country. The Center's mission is to provide a fun, safe aquatic experience, and to teach good sportsmanship and water safety. Along with quality sailing instruction, board sailing, kayaking, wind surfing and canoeing are also taught.

    History

    A Long Beach sailing program on the beach of Alamitos Bay began in 1929. It became affiliated with the Alamitos Bay Yacht Club (ABYC) not long after it founding, and many Leeway Sailing Center (Leeway) members were also junior members of the ABYC.

    In 1948, an old firehouse from the Harbor was relocated to the site and sold to the ABYC. The firehouse been built at a shipyard in the harbor, and some believe it was seized by the City due to its use as a terminal for the gambling boat that was anchored outside the 3-mile limit in the 1930’s and 1940’s. Leeway operated out of the ABYC facility until 1964, when the ABYC gave the site to the City in exchange for the lease on a property at 7001E. Ocean Blvd.

    Since 1964, Leeway has continued to operate out of the old firehouse building. In 2008, the City began considerations of replacing the old firehouse with a more modern building. Leeway is associated with the popularity of the Sabot class of boats, which was originated by a father of a young sailor learning to sail there. Gondola Getaway is also operated out of the Leeway docks.

    Leeway Sailing and Aquatics Center offers beginning and intermediate sabot classes for children age 8 and above and up to adult. The instructional fleet includes 8' sabots, 14 foot Capri boats and our 28 foot keelboat. Board sailing is offered to ages 16 and older. Two-hour semi-private and private lessons are available. Call (562) 570-1719 for more information. Visit RecConnect for more information. Click here for current class listings.

    Leeway Revitalization Project
    Read the Community Meeting Flyer (PDF) for more information on this exciting renovation project.

    Birthday Fun in the Sand and Sun!
    Birthdays on the Bay offer a unique opportunity to play beach games, canoe, kayak, and sail safely while supervised by experienced city staff.

    Make your birthday party a memorable celebration down at the bay! Let us host your special occasion at Leeway Sailing and Aquatic Center. We offer a unique alternative to the traditional birthday party. Your guests can participate in aquatic activities while enjoying a great day of fun in the sun!

    • Our staff will take care of all party activities including barbecuing and serving the food.
    • We will provide barbecue, briquettes, tables, chairs, refrigerator, boating equipment and life jackets.
    • All you need to provide is your food, cake, candles, utensils, plates, cups, etc.

    Parties can be scheduled on weekends between 10am - 5pm. A minimum of one month notice is needed to schedule your party.

    A non-refundable deposit is due once the party date is confirmed by the Leeway Sailing Center site supervisor. You will receive a written confirmation after your deposit is received.

    RULES AND REGULATIONS
    • Party participants must be 7 years and older.
    • Everyone must wear shoes on the dock.
    • Deposits are non-refundable.
    • No alchohol is permitted.
    • Notice of cancellation or change in the # of guests attending must be given 10 days prior to scheduled party date.
    • If your party runs over scheduled time due to participants tardiness, a fee of $15 for every 30 minutes will be assesed.

    PACKAGE A
    A three hour party that includes beach games, barbecue, canoeing, kayaking, sailing*, cake and presents.

    # of Kids

    Cost

    # of Staff

    Non-Refundable Deposit

    4-10

    $225

    2

    $50

    11-15

    $275

    3

    $50

    16-20

    $325

    4

    $50

    21-25

    $375

    5

    $50

    26-30

    $425

    6

    $50

    SCHEDULE
    30 minutes - beach games
    30 minutes - barbecue
    90 minutes - canoe/kayak/sailing*
    30 minutes - cake and presents

    PACKAGE B
    A two hour party that includes beach games, canoeing, kayaking, sailing*, cake and presents.

    # of Kids

    Cost

    # of Staff

    Non-Refundable Deposit

    4-10

    $170

    2

    $50

    11-15

    $220

    3

    $50

    16-20

    $270

    4

    $50

    21-25

    $320

    5

    $50

    26-30

    $370

    6

    $50

    SCHEDULE
    30 minutes - beach games
    60 minutes - canoe/kayak/sailing*
    30 minutes - cake and presents

    The sailing component of any package is contingent upon weather conditions and the availability of sailing staff. Other activities determined by staff may be used in lieu of sailing if necessary.

    Custom youth activity days also available to youth and adult groups featuring sailing, canoeing, kayaking and beach activities!

    Map to the Park


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    Boats from Leeway Sailing Center