King Harbor Youth Foundation

What King Harbor Youth Foundation does

King Harbor Youth Foundation (KHYF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 1982 and headquartered at 280 Yacht Club Way, Redondo Beach, California, within the King Harbor Yacht Club. The organization's mission is to promote youth sailing and provide ocean access to children in the South Bay community. KHYF operates a tiered sailing education portfolio that includes learn-to-sail classes (Opti Beginner, Opti Intermediate, Intro to FJ, Adventure Sailing), competitive race teams (Opti Race Team, KHYF Race Team), interscholastic high school sailing support for five South Bay schools, adult learn-to-sail classes on Martin 242 keelboats, and a community outreach program called New Channels that partners with 41 non-profit organizations to deliver free sailing, kayaking, and powerboat experiences to under-served and neurodiverse youth. The fleet comprises over 35 boats and 8 trailers spanning Optimist dinghies, Ploptis, Flying Juniors, Martin 242s, and Cal 20s.

The underlying technology is a US Sailing accredited curriculum delivered in-person at the KHYF Sailing Center by US Sailing certified coaches, including a Director with prior USC coaching experience. All coaches hold Small Boat Level One Instructor Certification, and the program maintains documented emergency and safety procedures along with proper insurance as a condition of accreditation. Digital infrastructure is operational rather than differentiated: ClubSpot handles program registration, booking, and payments; Calendly manages boat-charter scheduling; and a third-party CRS Apparel storefront sells KHYF Gear and merchandise. No proprietary software, patents, or AI/ML capabilities are disclosed.

KHYF's revenue model is a hybrid non-profit mix: program tuition (summer sessions priced at $875-$975 per two-week enrollment, adult classes at $300 per four-session course), tax-deductible donations and grants, Sail Away boat charters at $15-$25 per hour for qualified King Harbor Yacht Club members, and gear/apparel sales. Go-to-market is community-led — relying on referrals from 40+ partner schools and non-profits, an annual Open House fundraiser, social media, and word-of-mouth. The Board of Directors comprises 11 members led by President Mark Folkman; operational staff includes a Director, Head Coach, Opti Race Coach, additional Coach, 4 Instructors, and 5 Seasonal Instructors.

Name

King Harbor Youth Foundation

Legal name

King Harbor Youth Foundation

Website

https://khyf.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

King Harbor Youth Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 1982 in Redondo Beach, California, providing year-round youth and adult sailing instruction, competitive race teams, high school sailing support, and a community outreach program for under-served populations, operating from a fleet of 35+ boats at King Harbor Yacht Club.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Sailing Education and Instruction

NAICS

Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162), Sports and Recreation Instruction (611620)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Sailing Experiences (Lessons, Regattas, Day Sails) (THAJAJAG)

Keywords

• Youth sailing instruction
• Sailing education programs
• Community sailing school
• Competitive sailing teams
• Nonprofit sailing outreach

Headquarters

HQ city

Redondo Beach

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Sailing Program Tuition: Fees for youth sailing classes, race teams, high school sailing, and adult sailing programs. Summer sessions run $875-$975 per two-week session. Adult sailing classes are $300 per person for 4-session courses.
2. Donations and Grants: 501(c)(3) non-profit dependent on community donations, grants, equipment donations, and auction item donations. Tax-deductible donations support scholarships and program expansion.
3. Sail Away Boat Charters: Low-cost boat charters for qualified KHYC members. Cal 20 at $15/hr, Martin 242 at $25/hr. Revenue supports program operations.
4. Gear/Apparel Sales: KHYF Gear storefront sells sailing equipment and merchandise. Revenue supports operational costs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

King Harbor Youth Foundation delivers year-round youth sailing instruction and competitive team racing programs for ages 7-18, plus adult learn-to-sail classes, high school sailing team support, low-cost boat charters, and free ocean-based community outreach for under-served and neurodiverse populations. Programs span Spring, Summer, and Fall sessions using Optimist, Flying Junior, Martin 242, Cal 20, and Plopti sailboats with US Sailing certified coaches.

Product overview

King Harbor Youth Foundation operates a comprehensive youth sailing education organization offering a tiered program portfolio built around Learn-to-Sail classes (Opti Beginner, Opti Intermediate, Intro to FJ, Adventure Sailing), competitive Race Teams (Opti Race Team, KHYF Race Team), and High School Sailing support. The organization extends access through Adult Sailing Classes, Sail Away Boat Charters for qualified members, and community impact programs including New Channels Outreach and Scholarships. Programs run year-round across Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter sessions, with a fleet of over 35 boats including Optimists, Ploptis, Flying Juniors, Martin 242s, and Cal 20s.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• New Channels: Community outreach program that invites under-served and neurodiverse populations to experience the ocean through partnerships with non-profit organizations. Activities include powerboat rides, sailing, and kayaking, all provided free of charge.

Products and services

• Opti Beginner Entry-level sailing class for children ages 7-12 teaching basic sailing skills using the Plopti (plastic Optimist dinghy). Covers boat parts, points of sail, steering, rigging, capsize recovery, and upwind sailing basics.
• Opti Intermediate Intermediate sailing class building on Opti Beginner skills, teaching racing starts, slow-speed maneuvers, and efficient upwind sailing using the Optimist dinghy. Designed for ages 7-13 who have completed Opti Beginner.
• Intro to FJ (Flying Junior) Mixed-level class for junior sailors ages 12-17 or over 110 lbs teaching double-handed sailing on the 14-foot Flying Junior boat. Serves as entry point to high school sailing with emphasis on teamwork and communication between skipper and crew.
• Adventure Sailing Group sailing experience on 24-foot Martin sailboats for ages 8-17. Focuses on fun, sportsmanship, and ocean sailing skills including knot tying, tacking, docking, and rigging rather than competitive racing.
• Opti Race Team Advanced racing program for Optimist dinghy sailors divided into Green Fleet (beginner racers) and Champ Fleet (advanced). Provides coaching for local and national regatta competition, with sailors progressing through Red, White, and Blue fleet levels.
• KHYF Race Team Advanced racing team by invitation for sailors ready to progress beyond Opti Race or High School sailing. Competes in CFJ (FJ with spinnakers), keelboats, team racing, and high-performance boats including 29ers, ILCAs (Lasers), and Martin 242s.
• High School Sailing FJ-based racing program supporting South High School, Redondo Union, Mira Costa, El Segundo, and Chadwick schools. Practice sessions twice weekly with focus on racing skills, team communication, and regatta preparation for grades 8-12.
• Adult Sailing Classes Learn-to-sail program for adults 18+ using Martin 242 keelboats. Three session offerings per year teaching rigging, sailing basics, and racing skills with up to 4 students per boat accompanied by a coach.
• Sail Away Boat Charters Low-cost boat charter program providing qualified King Harbor Yacht Club members access to Cal 20 and Martin 242 keelboats for independent sailing, with hourly rental rates and qualification checkout requirements.
• New Channels Community Outreach Community outreach program introducing under-served and neurodiverse youth ages 10-18 to ocean activities including powerboat rides, sailing, and kayaking. Partnerships with over 24 non-profit organizations providing free sessions with lunch.
• KHYF Scholarships Need-based scholarship program providing full or partial funding for children to participate in sailing programs. All sailing equipment and safety gear provided free of charge to scholarship recipients.

Quantifiable outcome

• Countless families served over years of operation

Named customers10 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Barack Obama Charter SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in New Channels community outreach program providing sailing experiences for under-served youth populations
• Big Brothers and Sisters of Greater Los AngelesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in New Channels community outreach program providing sailing experiences for mentoring program participants
• Birney Elementary, Redondo Beach School DistrictminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in New Channels community outreach program serving local school district students
• Boys and Girls Club of Harbor CityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in New Channels community outreach program for youth development
• Boys and Girls Club of South BayminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in New Channels community outreach program for youth development
• Brotherhood CrusademinorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in New Channels community outreach program serving under-served communities
• Children's Home SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in New Channels community outreach program for child welfare services
• City2Sea OrganizationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in New Channels community outreach program for ocean accessibility
• Five AcresminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in New Channels community outreach program for foster care youth
• Golden Heart RanchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in New Channels community outreach program
• H2O LyfeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in New Channels community outreach program for water-based experiences
• Hawthorne SchoolsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in New Channels community outreach program serving Hawthorne school district
• Jack's ClubhouseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in New Channels community outreach program
• Long Beach Boys and Girls ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in New Channels community outreach program for youth development
• Los Angeles Black Deaf AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in New Channels community outreach program serving neurodiverse populations
• MaryValeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in New Channels community outreach program for girls' services
• Olive CrestminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in New Channels community outreach program for families and foster care
• Paramount Day School (for Troubled Youth)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in New Channels community outreach program serving at-risk youth
• SharefestminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in New Channels community outreach program for youth empowerment
• South Bay Down SyndromeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in New Channels community outreach program serving neurodiverse populations
• Special OlympicsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in New Channels community outreach program serving athletes with disabilities
• St. Lawrence Watts Youth CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in New Channels community outreach program serving South LA community
• Switzer CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in New Channels community outreach program for educational support
• Wooten CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in New Channels community outreach program serving community members
• King Harbor Yacht ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for KHYF sailing center, shares facilities and supports programs. KHYF operates Sail Away boat charter program for KHYC members.
• Mira Costa High SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKHYF facilitates and supports high school sailing race team
• Redondo Union High SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKHYF facilitates and supports high school sailing race team
• South Torrance High SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKHYF facilitates and supports high school sailing race team
• El Segundo High SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKHYF facilitates and supports high school sailing race team
• Chadwick SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKHYF facilitates and supports high school sailing race team

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• San Diego Junior Sailing Foundation: Non-profit foundation providing youth sailing instruction across multiple San Diego-area clubs. Similar non-profit governance, youth focus, and beginner-to-race pipeline.
• Sail Newport: Community sailing non-profit in Newport, RI offering youth/adult lessons, race teams, and adaptive sailing. Comparable in scope (instruction + outreach + community programming) even though geography differs.
• Newport Harbor Yacht Club Junior Sailing: Established junior sailing program in Newport Beach offering Learn-to-Sail, race teams, and high school sailing support. Comparable Southern California youth sailing structure with strong competitive pipeline.
• Treasure Island Sailing Center: Non-profit community sailing center in San Francisco offering youth/adult instruction, adaptive sailing, and outreach to under-served populations. Strong overlap with KHYF's New Channels community model.
• Alamitos Bay Yacht Club Sailing School: Long-running youth and adult sailing instruction program at Alamitos Bay in Long Beach offering summer camps, race teams, and US Sailing-aligned curriculum. Closely equivalent community sailing model.
• Balboa Yacht Club Sailing School: Junior and adult sailing program at Balboa Yacht Club in Newport Beach offering Opti, FJ, and keelboat instruction. Similar community sailing model and SoCal yacht-club-based delivery.
• Long Beach Junior Sailing: A youth sailing program based at Long Beach Yacht Club in Southern California offering Opti, FJ, and CFJ instruction with similar beginner-to-race progression. Highly comparable geographic and programmatic match for KHYF.
• Chicago Yacht Club Sailing School: One of the oldest community sailing programs in the U.S., offering youth classes, race teams, and adaptive sailing. Comparable scale and breadth of programming to KHYF.

Broad incumbents

• J/World Sailing Academy: Multi-location sailing school offering cruising, racing, and youth programs across the U.S. Broader geographic and commercial footprint than KHYF but overlapping adult and youth instruction.
• US Sailing: National governing body for sailing in the U.S. that accredits community sailing schools (including KHYF) and certifies coaches. Not a direct competitor but the closest programmatic and standards-setting comparable.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/kingharboryouth
• Facebookfacebook.com/khyfsailing

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about King Harbor Youth Foundation