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Sailing & Service at Coconut Grove Sailing Club
The Coconut Grove Sailing Club may seem like a traditional waterfront sailing center but look closer and you’ll find one of Miami’s most welcoming, community-minded spaces. Through educational seminars, youth scholarships, free sailing programs, and partnerships with civic organizations, the club’s mission extends far beyond the dock. From guest lectures on Biscayne Bay preservation to free Wednesday night sails open to the public, CGSC is proof that sailing can be for everyone, regardless of background or experience – or membership.
Executive Director Lauren Simpson shares how the club’s culture of service, education, and inclusion continues to create real impact in Coconut Grove – and why that mission matters now more than ever.
Q: How does the Coconut Grove Sailing Club use its space to host community-centered activities and events including guest speakers, seminars, and (or) civic organization meetings and gatherings?
LAUREN: If a group is a recognized civic organization, we are happy to offer the use of our meeting room or other areas of the club if needed. As a community club dedicated to service, we also support other community groups such as City of Miami (various city departments use CGSC facilities), as well as firefighters, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Rotary of Coconut Grove, the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), the Coconut Grove Women’s Club, SeaScots, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the Chamber of Commerce, and others.
Q: Are these events open to the public?
LAUREN: All of our guest speaking events and seminars are open to the public for informational and educational purposes free of charge. As well as our meeting area for the organizations or groups as mentioned above.
Q: What are some key topics addressed at these functions and did any of these events in particular stand out to you and/or members?
LAUREN: Over the years, our club has hosted a wide range of educational seminars and hands-on workshops. There are simply too many to list here! But one thing is certain if it involves sailing, safety, sustainability, or our community, we’re committed to promoting it.
- Preserving and improving the health and quality of Biscayne Bay.
- A seminar on the invasive lionfish species in collaboration with the Biscayne Park Authority
- Multiple sessions on sailing across the Atlantic, Pacific, and around the world
- Boat owner safety checks and discussions on must-have provisions for safe sailing
- Practical workshops on splicing lines and basic CPR valuable skills every sailor should know
- Guest speakers sharing updates and changes happening in Coconut Grove
- An insightful presentation titled “Lessons Learned During a Regatta from Newport to Bermuda”
- Engaging talks and demonstrations about classic boats, including both restoration stories and boatbuilding
- Programs focused on recycling efforts and keeping Biscayne Bay clean and healthy
- Hurricane preparedness for boat owners
- Sea levels just information on what we are seeing now
- Protecting coral reefs
- Clarington Island Clean Up
Q: What do you think makes hosting educational events and community gatherings important for a place like the CGSC?
LAUREN: Simply put it is all about knowledge, and as we all know, knowledge is power. Our seminars are not only informative but often eye-opening, covering topics many wouldn’t think of on their own. We hope that everyone who attends walks away with something new—whether it’s a valuable skill, a fresh perspective, or even a new hobby or passion sparked by what they’ve learned.
Q: When you think about the seminar leaders and speakers that really hit home with members, what comes to mind? What conversations do you think our community is yearning for most?
LAUREN: We always see our best turnout for events focused on safety and travel whether it is a local outing or an international voyage. People are genuinely drawn to real-life sailing adventures: the challenges faced, the lessons learned, and the moments of success. They want to know, “What’s the best thing to do if something goes wrong?” These sessions not only inspire but also empower our members with practical knowledge they can apply on and off the water.
Q: Ok, back to the water for a moment! How does the free Wednesday night sailing program fall into this tradition of community building?
LAUREN: This is truly one of our signature programs designed not just for club members but also for the entire community. Whether you have never set foot on a boat or you are an experienced sailor, you are welcome to join us and give sailing a try. Unsure if it is for you? Come down and experience it firsthand; the worst that can happen is you discover a new passion. I have met countless people simply walking around the Grove or dining in local restaurants who after a quick conversation show up on the water a few weeks later. That sense of connection is exactly why I love this program. When we say “community,” we mean it: everyone is invited, and best of all, participation is completely free.
Q: Tell us a little about the Sailing Club’s support of philanthropic organizations like the Rotary Club.
LAUREN: We have had a long-standing partnership with the Rotary Club of Coconut Grove and have collaborated with the Coral Gables Rotary Club. Together, we have stayed committed to a shared mission: providing scholarships to children from the City of Miami. Our club sets aside funds each year specifically for this purpose, but we are always seeking additional support whether it is sponsorship of a specific sailor or broader contributions to our scholarship program. You would be surprised how many people in our own community do not realize just how close they are to the water or that they have full access to it. That realization can be both heartbreaking and motivating. It reminds me why I am so passionate about what we do. We are not just teaching sailing we are opening doors, creating opportunities, and giving young people a connection to something powerful and positive.
Q: Can you think of a time, maybe during an event at the club, when you felt genuinely proud of the sense of community you are creating at these gatherings? Take us back to that moment.
LAUREN: Summer Camp is truly one of the highlights of my year and, I will admit, one of the most stressful! Just imagine on any given day, we have 80 to 85 children on the property over the course of nine weeks. It is a whirlwind of moving parts ensuring safety, delivering quality instruction, and of course, packing in as much fun as possible. What makes it all worth it is walking around, chatting with the kids, and seeing the pure joy on their faces. That is when I feel the proudest. I owe a huge thank you to our Instructional Center staff, who are incredible and the true heart of this program. I also want to express my gratitude to our members, who remain patient and supportive during these active (and often loud!) weeks. In the end, there is nothing better than watching children simply being children—free to laugh, learn, and enjoy summer to the fullest.
Q: How would you describe the vibe when people gather here for these events? Is it warm and welcoming? Inspiring? Please elaborate.
LAUREN: We are proud to be both welcoming and inspiring it is truly what sets us apart. Every event we host feels like a celebration, often with a fun theme to add a little extra flair. Our members are always eager to meet new faces, whether it is inviting someone to the next event, out sailing for the day, or just enjoying dinner together at our restaurant. What is most inspiring is the way people from all occupations different backgrounds, professions, communities, and interests—come together here. The friendships, the shared experiences, and the community we have created is something truly special. It is more than just a club it is a place where everyone belongs.
Q: If someone new to Coconut Grove asked what the CGSC offers beyond the actual sailing part of the equation, what would you tell them?
LAUREN: I get that question often, and my knee jerk answer is “comradery.” It is a sense of belonging, of being part of something meaningful. While our mission is to promote sailing on Biscayne Bay, what you truly find here is friendship, connection, and even family. (Yes, some have actually met here, fallen in love, and gotten married!)
Q: What’s your hope for how the club continues to grow its role in the community in the coming years? Where do you see the biggest opportunities?
LAUREN: My ultimate hope is to continue leading positive community engagement through everything we do whether it is volunteering, protecting our environment, promoting strong seamanship, or providing education, both in sailing and in deepening awareness of Biscayne Bay. In addition, just as importantly, we remain committed to offering scholarships to underprivileged youth in the City of Miami, giving them the opportunity to connect with the water and all it has to offer. Of course, achieving all of this begins with the growth and support of our membership. So, sincerely, thank you to each one of you. Your involvement helps us turn our mission into reality.
ABOUT THE 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 South Bayshore Drive, Miami, FL 33133. For more information, visit www.cgsc.org or email icdirector@cgsc.org.
