Build confidence
We teach water safety and steering in suitable Optimists and Vanguards. Children learn to work together.
Local programmes
School sailing
ELC and DCMS already sail with ESA. Our next step is to bring regular school sailing to more children across Eleuthera.
Build on what is working
Through our South Eleuthera (at CEIS) programme, children from the Elementary Learning Center and Deep Creek Middle School learn to handle boats together. They grow comfortable on the water. Sailing and watersports turn the coast around them into a place to learn.
Welcome one more school each year
We want to include schools in North Eleuthera, Rock Sound, Governor’s Harbour and Palmetto Point. We aim to add one school each year, beginning in September 2027 . We need a school partnership and enough coaching capacity, with transport in place.
In the first half of 2027, we also plan to offer interested schools a free introductory day at ESA, arranged with each school. Regular lessons can then become part of a lasting school relationship rather than a one-off visit.
We will start with Grades 5–6 and follow the same students as they grow.
The pathway: ages and boats
Sail independently
We follow the same cohort as they develop boat handling and racing skills in Optimists and Vanguards.
Lead and develop
We use Vanguards and windsurfing to build teamwork and leadership. Sailors also develop their board skills.
We match boats to each sailor’s size and experience, considering conditions alongside their grade. We will share our existing 32 Optimists across the centres as needed. Our six-420 fleet is a 2029 goal. We plan two each for South and North, with two at ESA.
Our coaches need reliable transport and well-maintained equipment.
Looking ahead
Regular school sailing can lead to inter-school competitions by 2029 and team racing in 2030.