Brief passing showers didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of dozens of community members who took to the water Sunday afternoon at the St. Thomas Sailing Center’s (STSC) Open House. The event, hosted by the sail instruction arm of the St. Thomas Yacht Club (STYC), gave attendees a chance to experience sailing firsthand with free rides on IC24 sailboats and Hobie Wave catamarans while also learning about sailing courses, court sports, and club membership.
“It’s always fun to be part of the maritime scene,” said Kewanna Young of St. Thomas. “Experiencing what it’s like to sail, the scenic views, and getting a chance to steer were most fun.”
Robert ‘Bobby’ Brooks, director of the STSC, highlighted the Open House’s role in introducing more community members to the sport. “Today’s Open House gave many of our community members a chance to experience sailing firsthand and learn more about what we have to offer, from beginner sailing to competitive racing,” he said. “We’re excited to welcome more local islanders into our programs, providing an affordable way for adults and families to enjoy these waters we call home. We look forward to seeing many of today’s participants back soon to join our growing sailing community.”
The STSC offers a range of courses designed for all experience levels. The three-hour Intro to Hobie course allows even first-time sailors to skipper a 16-foot Hobie Wave catamaran. The intensive seven-day Bareboat Certification course enables students to charter sailboats in destinations such as the Virgin Islands. Other programs include the three-hour Discover Sailing class, which covers the fundamentals of sailing, Learn to Sail, Performance Sailing for both cruising and racing skills, and a four-day Cruising Course with liveaboard instruction. Private lessons are also available on the STSC’s luxury Hanse 38-foot cruising boat, according to the press release.
All major courses include a 30-day Blue Water Membership in the St. Thomas Yacht Club, giving participants access to amenities such as the bar, restaurant, tennis and squash courts, and the beach. Additionally, STSC runs an after-school program for public school students ages eight to 16 who have participated in the annual VIPCA summer camp programs at the STYC, the press release stated.
The Open House drew a mix of newcomers and returning sailors, including visitors and residents eager to learn more about the sport, it said.
“We watched the sailing and tried it at an open house last year. Now we’d like to learn,” said Sue Goodhue, from Boston, who attended with her husband, Ethan.
Patti Sacchetti, who recently moved to St. Thomas from Philadelphia, sailed with the Goodhues and added, “I always wanted to learn how to sail.”
Many families brought children to the event, introducing them to the thrill of being on the water, the release stated.
“I liked going fast out on the water,” said 12-year-old Amo de Roulet, who sailed with his parents and siblings.
For more information about the St. Thomas Sailing Center and its programs, visit stthomassailingcenter.com, call 340-690-3681, or email director@stthomassailingcenter.com.
