SAN FRANCISCO, April 24, 2002 -- San Francisco State University's Recreation and Leisure Studies Department, the America True sailing team and the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department this summer will offer the only sailing classes in San Francisco open to the community.

The classes will be held June 11 through Aug. 29 on Lake Merced, located just west of the SFSU campus. Nine basic and two intermediate courses will be offered, with 12 seats available in each class. Classes are open to adults and children.

The classes revive a once-popular SFSU boating program on the lake that was offered for more than 20 years before being eliminated in 1992 due to the California budget crisis. All other sailing classes in San Francisco are offered only to members of private organizations.

The San Francisco-based America True team, a semifinalist in the 2000 America's Cup competition, organizes sailing trips for underserved youth and now hopes to reach adults via the partnership with SFSU.

Each course, including equipment and materials, costs $149. To register or for more information, call (415) 405-3737.

  Student writer Anastasia Thrift contributed to this press release.