The Green Bay Marina at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, plans to launch the start of this year’s boating season Saturday with a grand opening celebration.

The marina will offer free boat rides, hot dogs, hamburgers and special giveaways. The open house is scheduled for 9 a.m.; refreshments are to be served at 11 a.m.

The marina, open from April until October, offers sailing classes toward American Sailing Association certificates and powerboat lessons.

The marina also rents sailboats, powerboats, kayaks, rowboats and fishing gear.

Last weekend, servicemembers and civilians from around Japan attended a sailing instructor course at the marina, taught by instructors from the United States, according to a marina employee.

Participants came from Yokosuka, Camp Zama and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo in mainland Japan, and from Okinawa, for the training.

The marina offers two levels of ASA sailing certificates and MWR powerboat licenses. About six types of boats are available to rent, including 22-foot Catalinas and 15-foot Boston Whaler skiff powerboats, according to the marina Web site.

The marina also has 18 wet slips with power, water and phone hookups for boat owners, the site stated.

Call DSN 243-4155 for more information on the marina or on Saturday’s event.

John Sullivan/Courtesy of the U.S. Navy

Servicemembers and civilians from around Japan attended a sailing instructor course over the weekend at Yokosuka Naval Base. Green Bay Marina, which features sailing lessons and boat rentals, opens for the season with a celebration Saturday.

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