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At the Coconut Grove Sailing Club (CGSC), Head Greenfleet Coach Aishwarya Nedunchezhiyan is helping young sailors find their footing — and their passion — on the water.
Over the past year, Aishwarya (known as “Aish”) has been guiding aspiring sailors ages 7 to 12 through CGSC’s Learn-to-Sail pipeline, working with students as they transition from youth camps into the club’s Greenfleet racing program. The next wave of talent is already on deck, with CGSC’s 2026 Spring Break Camp scheduled for March 23–27, serving as a key feeder into the program.
“Greenfleet is the stage where sailors truly fall in love with racing,” said Aish. “It’s a bridge to full-time sailing — and for some, that can lead all the way to the U.S. National Team and international competition. It’s been an incredible year, and I’m excited to keep growing this program.”
With a fresh cohort of young sailors expected to emerge from spring camp, momentum is building.
From India to the International Stage
Aish’s journey in sailing is nothing short of remarkable. She began sailing in India at age 10 and joined the national team by 12. By 14, she was competing at an elite level, eventually earning multiple national and international medals — including making history as the first Indian woman to win a sailing medal at the 2014 Asian Games.
She also pursued a 49erFX Olympic campaign for India, one of the most demanding paths in the sport.
“It is not just racing a boat,” Aish explained. “49erFX involves years of elite training, international competition, physical preparation, fundraising, and total teamwork — all for the opportunity to represent your country on the Olympic stage.”
Prior to joining CGSC full-time in 2025, Aish served as a racing coach at the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club, further sharpening her global coaching perspective.
Looking Ahead: Competition and Growth
Aish will next represent CGSC at the prestigious 2026 Rolex New York Yacht Club Women’s International Championship in Newport, Rhode Island this September — a major milestone for both coach and club.
Her role at CGSC continues to expand, with responsibilities that include mentoring Greenfleet racers and supporting novice sailors entering the club’s upcoming summer camp programs.
Leadership Perspective
According to CGSC General Manager Lauren Simpson, Aish’s impact is already being felt across the waterfront.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have Aishwarya join our growing program,” said Simpson. “Her leadership is helping bring a renewed focus on competitive development, waterfront safety, and community engagement.”
“Her role as Head Greenfleet Coach is central to shaping the next generation of sailors here in Coconut Grove, where Biscayne Bay offers an ideal training ground for both recreational and high-performance sailing,” Simpson added.
Simpson noted that Aish’s hiring reflects a broader strategic vision for the club.
“This is about building a culture of accessibility in sailing while staying true to our community roots,” she said. “We want every sailor — from first-time students to seasoned racers — to feel safe, challenged, and inspired on the water.”
Learn More
For more information about CGSC’s youth and seasonal programs, visit www.cgscic.org or email icdirector@cgsc.org.
About Coconut Grove Sailing Club
The Coconut Grove Sailing Club has been a cornerstone of Miami’s sailing community since 1946. Founded by local residents with a shared passion for sailing, CGSC offers comprehensive sailing education — from youth programs to adult instruction — along the scenic shores of Biscayne Bay.
Location: 2990 South Bayshore Drive, Miami, FL 33133
