Friends of Belmar Harbor Announces New Identity as Sail Belmar Community Sailing Center

New name reflects more than 25 years of community sailing, growing programs, and an expanded vision for accessible waterfront recreation on the Shark River

BELMAR, N.J. — November 2, 2026 — Friends of Belmar Harbor (FOBH), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing sailing, boating, and waterfront educational opportunities on the Shark River since 1999, is proud to announce its new identity as Sail Belmar Community Sailing Center.

The rebranding marks an exciting new chapter for the organization as it builds upon more than 25 years of community service and continues its transformation into a comprehensive community sailing center serving children, families, adults, schools, and community organizations throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties.

The new name better reflects the organization’s location, expanding programs, and long-term commitment to making sailing and recreational opportunities on the water accessible to people of all ages, abilities, and experience levels.

“Friends of Belmar Harbor has a proud history of introducing children and adults to sailing and everything the Shark River has to offer,” said Brian Hull, Executive Director of Sail Belmar Community Sailing Center. “As our organization has grown, we recognized the importance of creating an identity that clearly represents who we are, where we are located, and our vision for the future. Sail Belmar builds upon the foundation established in 1999 while positioning us for the next generation of community sailing.”

Building on a Record of Growth

The announcement follows another successful summer season and continued growth in participation, program offerings, and community engagement.

In 2026, Sail Belmar welcomed 393 participants, an increase from 360 participants in 2025. This continued growth reflects increasing interest in youth sailing, summer camps, adult instruction, competitive racing, and recreational activities on the Shark River.

Operating from L Street Beach and Maclearie Park in Belmar, Sail Belmar provides an accessible waterfront environment where participants develop sailing skills, confidence, independence, teamwork, and an appreciation for the natural environment.

The organization’s programs now serve everyone from young children discovering the water for the first time to experienced sailors pursuing regional and national competition.

Expanding Opportunities on the Water

Sail Belmar Community Sailing Center offers a diverse range of educational and recreational programs, including:

• Youth Sailing and Discovery Camp: Introductory sailing, Learn to Sail programs, and Shark River Discovery Camp for children exploring sailing, boating, and marine activities.

• Competitive Sailing and High-Performance Training: Optimist racing, Club 420 development, 29er skiff sailing, and advanced clinics designed to develop competitive sailors.

• High School Sailing: Introductory and developmental programs preparing students for participation in interscholastic sailing.

• Adult Sailing: Beginner and intermediate sailing instruction, group lessons, weekend and weekday programs, and private lessons.

• Adaptive and Inclusive Waterfront Programming: Opportunities designed to make sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and waterfront experiences available to individuals with diverse abilities.

• Waterfront Recreation and Environmental Education: Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and educational experiences highlighting the Shark River ecosystem.

• Community Partnerships: Programs and collaborative opportunities with schools, recreation departments, yacht clubs, nonprofit organizations, and community groups.

Through its growing network of partnerships, Sail Belmar is working to introduce more young people and families to sailing who might not otherwise have access to traditional waterfront programs.

A Vision for a Year-Round Community Sailing Center

The transition to Sail Belmar Community Sailing Center represents more than a new name or logo. It is part of a broader strategic initiative to establish a lasting community sailing and waterfront education resource in Belmar.

The organization’s long-term priorities include expanding access to affordable sailing and recreation, strengthening its organizational sustainability, and improving the facilities and equipment needed to serve a growing community.

Future initiatives include pursuing US Sailing Community Sailing Center accreditation, expanding scholarship opportunities, establishing new school and community partnerships, increasing the organization’s instructional and adaptive sailing fleets, and developing enhanced waterfront infrastructure.

The proposed facility improvements could include dedicated instructional classrooms, administrative offices, equipment storage, restrooms, and flexible gathering spaces for educational programs and community events.

Sail Belmar also plans to expand its fundraising efforts, pursue grant opportunities, and engage community supporters and local businesses in helping to achieve these goals.

“Our vision is to create something that extends well beyond a traditional summer sailing program,” Hull explained. “We want Sail Belmar to become a place where a child can discover the water, learn to sail, develop as a competitive sailor, return as an instructor, and eventually share that same experience with their own family. At the same time, we want adults, schools, and community organizations to recognize Sail Belmar as a welcoming place to experience the Shark River.”

Looking Ahead to Summer 2027

With the launch of its new identity, Sail Belmar is preparing for continued growth during the 2027 season.

Registration for the 2027 Summer Sailing Camp and sailing programs officially opened November 1, 2026, giving families an opportunity to explore the organization’s expanded educational and recreational offerings.

The organization will continue developing partnerships with local schools, municipal recreation departments, and community organizations while exploring new opportunities to introduce sailing and waterfront education to underserved populations.

The rebranding will be reflected throughout the organization’s newly updated website, social media channels, promotional materials, apparel, signage, and future waterfront improvements.

Although the public-facing name is changing, the organization will continue operating under the Friends of Belmar Harbor Charitable Education Foundation, maintaining its nonprofit mission and longstanding commitment to the community.

“This is an exciting moment for our organization and for the Belmar waterfront,” Hull said. “We are incredibly proud of what Friends of Belmar Harbor has accomplished over the past 25-plus years. Sail Belmar honors that history while giving us a stronger platform to grow, develop new partnerships, and create opportunities for future generations. Our goal is simple: make the Shark River a place where everyone has an opportunity to get out on the water.”

About Sail Belmar Community Sailing Center

Sail Belmar Community Sailing Center, operated by the Friends of Belmar Harbor Charitable Education Foundation, is a nonprofit community sailing and waterfront education organization located at L Street Beach and Maclearie Park on the Shark River in Belmar, New Jersey.

Established in 1999 as Friends of Belmar Harbor, the organization provides accessible sailing instruction, youth summer camps, competitive sailing development, adult sailing lessons, adaptive programs, and recreational waterfront opportunities. Through education, community partnerships, and a commitment to safe and responsible boating, Sail Belmar seeks to inspire lifelong participation in sailing and stewardship of the marine environment.

Learn more and register for 2027 programs: www.sailbelmar.org

Media Contact:

Brian Hull

Executive Director

Sail Belmar Community Sailing Center

1300 River Road

P.O. Box 454

Belmar, NJ 07719

Phone: 732-539-7905

Email: brianhull@sailbelmar.org

Website: www.sailbelmar.org