Children, Teens Make Waves at Coconut Grove Sailing Club

By Michelle Sheldone

MIAMI, Fla. -- Some 80 youngsters ages 6 to 17 each Saturday and Sunday rock the boat, hoisting the sails of their prams and small sailboats and casting off from the Coconut Grove Sailing Club.

They are among some 150 who participate in year-round youth sailing program offerings: sailing and windsurfing instruction, junior cruising, sailboat racing and Olympic single-handed small dinghy racing.

During the academic year, the sailing club offers after school sailing. During summer, youngsters take part in the club's spring and summer camps.

And fathom this: The benefits, according to the U.S. Sailing Association, are many.

Children, for one, get up close and personal with nature so that they more greatly appreciate the environment around them, Zeke Quesada of the ASA writes.

Children also learn responsibility, giving and taking orders while working toward common goals, Quesada contends.

Because electronic devices are off, communication becomes enhanced while relationships and trust among people on the boat are built, according to Quesada.

At the Coconut Grove Sailing Club, it's not just about knowing the ropes.

Several teens compete nationally and internationally.



About the Coconut Grove Sailing Club's Youth Sailing Program

The Coconut Grove Sailing Club was established in 1946 as a place to promote and foster sailing.
Its youth sailing program caters to recreational and competitive sailors. The club also provides scholarships to disadvantaged children and teens -- more than any other local sailing organization, according to the organization.

Initiation fees are $2,000 per person ($800 for city of Miami residents, $300 for junior youth racing members younger than age 18). Many members also pay annual dues and capital assessments and monthly facilities, operations and maintenance fees.

Donations to the sailing club are tax-deductible, and the club accepts them for its adult, youth and scholarship programs. Donations also benefit the the development and maintenance of the club's fleets and the development and maintenance of its support, coach and safety boats.

For information about the youth program: Joe Logan 305.444.4571 ext. 11 or icdirector@cgsc.org.