MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT, San Diego -- Sand kicks up in small clouds as Marines dive to save their volleyball. Families drift in the bay on their boats, casting fishing lines. This small oasis isn’t in some hard to reach spot, down sharp cliffs or winding roads.
It’s here on Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
The boathouse and marina are available to active duty, reservists, retirees and Department of Defense employees aboard the depot. Spouses and friends are allowed to use the services provided, but only in the presence of eligible patrons.
The boathouse provides dry storage, 24-hour security, equipment rentals, bait and tackle, and different types of boats, kayaks and surfboards.
“Along with water equipment, the marina also provides essentials for the land lovers,” said Hugo Burchartz, manager, boathouse and marina. “We have a playground, sand volleyball courts, tennis and basketball courts, horseshoe pits and barbeque pits.”
Along with places to have gatherings and store watercrafts, the boathouse offers learning experiences. Sailing classes begin April 30 and are held every other weekend through October 16. Classes are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants receive a certificate and can then rent sailboats.
According to Burchartz, it is hands-on and almost all of the instruction is done on the water.“When you are done having fun in the water, we have places where you can shower,” said Burchartz. “Even a clubhouse where you can get in from the sun.”
Recently, Marines and sailors with HMH-466 from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar held their Spring Fling at the boathouse.
“My Marines and I thoroughly enjoyed the venue and all of the accessories that came along with the boathouse,” said Kathryn Mello, family readiness officer, HMH-466. “They all enjoyed the opportunity to use the kayaks, canoes and paddleboards. They’ve been raving about it, they absolutely loved it!”
For more information, go to www.mccscrd.com/SemperFit/BoathouseMarina.