Meet Kevin Thornton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Thornton. 

Hi Kevin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
L.A. Sailing started as an informal boat-sharing club in Redondo Beach hosted by Kevin Herink. As a long-time, sailor in the South Bay, he was always looking for a way to get reliable and fun crew on board, while sharing the extensive costs associated with boat ownership in Southern California. I met Kevin through this club in 2012 and as he taught me how to sail, I quickly realized this would become a lifelong passion. He inspired me to learn as much as possible about sailing and through his tutelage assisted in me getting my captain’s license as expeditiously as possible. 

After sailing together for a couple years with a wide array of crew, we realized there were many other people that shared our passion for being on the water and would enjoy our unique approach to sailing as a club. 

We formalized the concept for L.A. sailing while on a crossing to Catalina Island; our goal was to create a sailing community that could provide regular, affordable access to sailing in Los Angeles for people of all skill levels and backgrounds, from beginners to old salts. L.A. Sailing was founded on the simple principle of regular access to sailing at an affordable price point, in a fun and engaging group setting. 

Currently, we offer these group outings five days per week in both Marina del Rey and Redondo Beach. Our members come from every walk of life and have a shared passion for being on the ocean. Our model of easy access to boating without a large financial commitment has proven very popular within our club and our community continues to grow to this day. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Over the years we learned that the bulk of work is really in building sailing awareness in Los Angeles. Santa Monica Bay boasts some of the most reliable sailing weather in the world, featuring tranquil waters teeming with marine life, a year-round sailing season, and a picturesque backdrop with city skylines and coastal mountain ranges. Our primary challenge hasn’t been the sailing, it has been educating Angelenos that sailing is a unique and accessible entertainment option for anyone. 

Upon their introduction, many of our first-time sailors quickly find a connection with the ocean. For those that have not experienced sailing it is hard to describe the feeling when the motor is turned off and you begin moving through the water under wind power alone. There is this magical and euphoric balance with nature that is difficult to find elsewhere, especially in such a bustling city, but once you experience that moment, it’s hard to turn back. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I think the primary difference between L.A. Sailing and the other sailing options in Southern California is the community atmosphere we have cultivated over the years. With group sails going out five days a week, our club members have ample opportunities to “learn the ropes” and develop their sailing skills, while meeting new friends and sharing special experiences on the water. 

We are proud of the community we have developed at L.A. Sailing. In addition to learning how to sail and building your sailing resume, our members have experienced once-in-a-lifetime moments on the water that can’t be found anywhere else. We’ve also seen many new friendships forged aboard our vessels that now go beyond the boat. 

We know L.A. Sailing isn’t for everyone, and that’s ok with us; we strive to provide a unique offering for Los Angeles and those who “get it”, really “get it” and tend to stick around for many years. 

As a sailing club, we specialize in providing regular, affordable access to everything sailing in Southern California has to offer. We are known for our friendly, safe, hands-on approach to instruction; we believe the boat is your classroom and work to create a fun and informative sailing community. In addition to our regular sailing schedule, we host a handful of special events throughout the year, including camping trips to Catalina Island, afternoon regattas, day trips to Anacapa Island, and even a sail under fireworks off the Manhattan Beach Pier. 

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The COVID-19 pandemic taught us many things. Like everyone else, we shut down for several months before re-opening with reduced capacity and masks on board, and as transmission research/evidence advanced we were happy to learn that sailing was likely one of the safest activities people could enjoy during those trying times. 

When people began to work from home and many of the regular entertainment options were unavailable, we also learned that people had reprioritized how they spent their time. There was a renewed energy to learn new skills, try things that you’ve always wanted to, and explore the outdoors in your local community. Our model ended up being a great fit for many Angelenos and we saw a lot of new faces join the club. 

Pricing:

• Sailor’s Club Membership – Up to six sails per month, $200 per month, $200 sign-up fee, and initial six-month commitment
• Crew Club Membership – Two sails per month, $100 per month, $200 sign-up fee, and initial six-month commitment
• Try it out! – One sail for $100, Two for $150, One sail for two for $150
• 3hr Private Sail for Six – $400 M-Th, $450 F-Su

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lasailing.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lasailing/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/losangelessailing
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/lasailing
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/la-sailing-los-angeles