In 2003, the Port of Los Angeles requested projects for the China Shipping Aesthetic Mitigation Program. The Wilmington Youth Sailing Center was proposed to help restore waterfront access and recreational use of the harbor for Wilmington Residents.
The Sailing Center and its programs are designed to provide recreational activities for the community and to provide at-risk youth 8 to 18 training in the Natural Sciences, Sailing, and Environmental Stewardship and to encourage them to pursue careers in science and engineering.
The project was approved by the Port Community Advisory Committee and the State Lands Commission and in 2006 the Los Harbor Commission approved funding for construction of the center.