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In an era when bayfront access is increasingly synonymous with exclusivity, the Adult Sailing Program at Coconut Grove Sailing Club stands as a beacon of opportunity and a positive force for many in the community.
With a comprehensive curriculum spanning beginner basics to advanced navigation, this program makes the pristine waters of Biscayne Bay and the splendor of sailing accessible to all.
For Bob Gallaher, a lifelong South Florida resident with a 50-year career in real estate, the program filled a gap in his life.
“I tried to rent a sailboat to take my daughter out sailing when she was in town, but couldn’t find a place to rent one,” he explained.
That changed when he discovered the Coconut Grove Sailing Club, where he found not only boats, but a supportive community built around the club’s flagship Basic Keelboat course.
The program’s substantial growth and community impact can be traced to dedicated volunteers and staff like Richard Crisler, who have helped enhance and expand the CGSC Adult Program that offers multiple pathways for sailors of all levels.
From weekend Basic Keelboat courses to advanced Bareboat Cruising certification, the program has created an accessible ladder of progression that serves both recreational sailors and those seeking more serious maritime skills.
“I’ve witnessed and been a part of positive life-changing experiences for my students,” Crisler reflected, describing encounters that range from teaching autistic youth to helping couples discover shared passions.
His unwavering dedication has led him to build a 13-boat Sunfish fleet from salvaged materials and develop the comprehensive Flying Scot that now serves as an entry point for many adult learners.
Part of what makes CGSC’s program particularly valuable is its response to a disappearing market.
“Sailing education was more abundant in South Florida 20 years ago. Today it’s rare and small boat/keelboat rentals are almost non-existent,” Crisler observed.
The program has filled this void with offerings ranging from single-day Sunfish courses to intensive multi-day Coastal Navigation and Celestial Navigation classes that teach traditional paper-chart skills alongside modern GPS understanding.
It’s important to note, Crisler added, that CGSC does not rent sailboats, rather they are available for classes and for member use.
The program’s accessibility extends across all demographics and skill levels. Students range from teenagers to octogenarians, with Crisler recalling teaching a 79-year-old attorney alongside college students and professionals from all walks of life.
“In the class that I took, there was a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and skill levels,” Gallaher said, noting the inclusive atmosphere that welcomes everyone from complete novices to experienced sailors.
Students who wish to pursue cruising may enroll in the Introduction to Cruising course and then advance through Basic Cruising to Bareboat Cruising certification, gaining competency in everything from basic boat systems to extended cruise planning.
For those seeking racing skills, the program also offers Sunfish Racing Clinics and Flying Scot racing instruction, while Wednesday Night Racing welcomes sailors of all abilities to gain real-world experience in an informal learning environment. This popular night offering is free and non-club members are always welcomed.
Advanced courses like Celestial Navigation, taught in intimate four-student maximum classes, and specialized programs like Spinnaker courses, each offer targeted skill development. This tiered approach ensures accessibility while funding program growth and equipment maintenance.
For Gallaher, this accessibility is crucial.
“It is a valuable resource, where community residents like me can enjoy the wonderful resource that is Biscayne Bay without having to invest huge amounts of money in their own boat, maintenance, and dockage,” he said. “Without this facility, I, for one, wouldn’t be able to go sailing.”
As Miami-Dade continues to grow and develop, programs like this become increasingly important, not just for recreation, but for community building, a healthy lifestyle, and ensuring that the beauty and restorative power of Biscayne Bay remain available to all residents for generations to come.
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