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At first glance, the Coconut Grove Sailing Club (CGSC) is an unassuming sailing center tucked along Biscayne Bay. But on any given weekend, the waters just offshore come alive with bright sails and even brighter smiles as kids from the neighborhood and beyond learn to cruise, race, and build lifelong confidence through CGSC’s youth sailing program.
Founded in 1946 with a mission to promote sailing and water safety, CGSC’s youth program has grown into a local hub for community engagement and character-building.
“The way I best describe it, this is a place in our community where kids can learn to become their best selves,” said Joe Logan, director of the youth and adult sailing programs.
“We’re helping them build resilience, teamwork, independence – important qualities that they’ll carry with them long after they’re out of the water.”
That spirit of independence is balanced by a strong sense of camaraderie. According to Lauren Simpson, the club’s general manager, CGSC’s inclusive culture emphasizes mentorship and team building.
“We make our programs accessible to everyone,” she said.
Many parents soon realize the sport has a deep impact even outside the water.
“Sailing teaches responsibility in a way few sports can,” said Carlo Mayor, whose daughters are both rising stars in their own right. “A young sailor is in charge of a boat by themselves; they’re making real decisions out there. And it brings out maturity in the best way.”
CGSC’s programs clearly have impacted countless young people in the community, but there are a few recent standout examples.
With no sailing background whatsoever, the Mayor family never anticipated that their daughters, Daniela, 13, and Gianna, 10, would one day compete on the world stage. Starting with CGSC Summer Camp, what began as a fun summer activity quickly evolved into a lifelong passion.
“The CGSC coaches are so good that it allowed our kids to move quickly through the ranks, and now sailing is their focus,” said their mother, Kathy.
Daniela went on to win the 2023 Girls Optimist National Championship, leading to international competitions like the Optimist World Championship in Argentina and the Asian & Oceanian Championship in Hong Kong.
Paloma Barrera-Davila is a 15-year-old CGSC sailor who recently made waves in the U.S. Youth Sailing Championship circuit. Barrera has been sailing with CGSC since age six and now serves as both an inspiration and mentor to the younger sailors.
“I’ve learned so much, not just about sailing, but about who I am,” she said. “Being on the water forces you to be present. You learn how to adapt and how to trust your instincts. Plus, the community we have here is just amazing!”
In the past few years, Barrera has been a member of the U.S. Junior National Team competing in events in South America, Europe, throughout all North America, the Caribbean, and elsewhere around the world.
“I want younger sailors to know that it’s okay to mess up and ask questions,” she said. “I was there once too. It’s all part of the journey.”
That message resonates throughout the club. For every young sailor eyeing the podium, there’s another simply gaining confidence and learning to love the sea.
“We measure success in different ways,” Logan said. “Yes, we’re proud of the kids going to nationals, but we’re just as proud of the ones who walk into sailing camp for the first time and learn to overcome fear and sail solo for the first time.”
CGSC programs run year-round and appeal to kids of all ages, nationalities, and backgrounds. And now that the academic year is ending, it’s important to note CGSC conducts a popular summer camp.
CGSC Summer Sailing Camp
The club’s six-week Summer Sailing Camp is a gateway for aspiring young sailors to dive headfirst into the maritime world. Camp continues through Aug. 8, (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.), offering hands-on instruction, teamwork, and time on the water.
“If your child is ready to trade screen time for a cool sea breeze – and learn from the best – now’s the time,” Simpson added.
Visit https://cgscic.org/summercamp/ to learn more and register for the upcoming summer camp.
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 email icdirector@cgsc.org.
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