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For many kids, the end of the school day means homework, screens, and indoor time. But at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club (CGSC), afternoons take a different tack — one that swaps fluorescent lighting for Biscayne Bay breezes.
“Our school year sailing program gives kids a structured, active way to wind down after school while still learning,” said Lauren Simpson, CGSC general manager. “They work in teams, handle responsibilities like rigging and caring for their boats, and build confidence as they learn to make decisions out on the water.”
Simpson explains that sailing demands a child’s full attention — a built-in training ground for focus.
“It fosters resilience when things don’t go as planned and develops social skills through constant communication and cooperation with coaches and teammates,” she said.
The benefits extend well beyond better sailing technique. Regular time on the water serves as a “real break” from screen-based devices and school stress. Students stay active outdoors, problem-solve in real time, and sharpen critical thinking — skills that carry over into classrooms, friendships, and families.
For a city like Miami, surrounded by water yet often disconnected from it, Simpson said sailing offers something unique.
“It has always amazed me how many kids across Miami have never set foot on a boat or kayak until they come to us,” she said.
CGSC not only gives young people their very first experience on the water, but also their first real connection to the marine environment. “They see the wind, the tides, the wildlife — and the pollution, too, and understand what’s at stake. It makes the environment real to them, not just something they hear about.”
And that connection to nature often sparks transformation.
“You see a huge shift in kids who stick with our year-round programs,” Simpson noted.
“They may start off quiet or unsure, but over time they become more confident and willing to step up — whether to help a younger sailor or lead a drill.”
Access, she adds, is a cornerstone of the program. Through partnerships with Miami-Dade Public Schools, adaptive sailing opportunities for disabled students, and year-round scholarships, Coconut Grove Sailing Club ensures cost isn’t a barrier.
“For many families, sailing can seem out of reach,” Simpson said. “That’s where we step in.”
The ripple effect, she points out, is felt across the community. Families get involved at the club, schools see more engaged students, and the city benefits from a generation that values inclusion and environmental stewardship.
“Sailing at CGSC isn’t just about learning to sail,” Simpson said. “It’s about creating confident, capable young people who understand leadership, responsibility, and teamwork — and who feel a personal stake in protecting Biscayne Bay. That’s an investment that pays off for everyone.”
Visit the CGSC website at https://cgscic.org/seasonfall/ for more information about the fall youth programs.
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 classes.
The CGSC is Located at 2990 S. Bayshore Dr., Miami, FL 33133. For more information, visit www.cgsc.org or send email to icdirector@cgsc.org.
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