Yachtingtimes

Sarasota Youth Sailing - the Big Little Sailing Team

Text by Ken d’Agostino / Photos by María Cecilia Rocha, David Livingston and Ken d’Agostino
Article featured in YTM #4, Spring 2011.

The Sarasota Youth Sailing Program is a gem on the west coast of Florida. It has been teaching kids to sail since the early 1950’s. Started by a couple of parents with some plywood and the plans to a Clearwater Pram, it has become one of the most active and productive sailing programs in the State of Florida.

The Sarasota Youth Sailing is now one of the top two largest programs in the state. It is also home to word class youth sailors and Olympic hopefuls. Over 400 kids from all socio-economic backgrounds attended the summer program in summer of 2010. As a new Outreach sailor was overheard saying, “I didn’t even know that I lived close to the water until I came out here to sail.” This Program that is near and dear to the SYSP has been very successful as it introduces unlikely sailors to the joys of being on the water.

Over 100 kids will sail and compete in the year round program this fall, including Opti, Laser, 420 and High School Sailing. David Livingston, the Director of the program, beams proudly as he talks about the sailors who continue sailing beyond the Opti program and compete as teenagers heading for college and careers. High School sailing activity is at an all time high and there are now 10 local high schools competing around the State from Sarasota.
The program is run by a dedicated group of parents and community leaders. Unlike most programs in the state, it does not get direct funding from local government nor is it a Yacht Club program. It is a Not for Profit entity with 501 c 3 status. SYSP has formed strategic alliances with the Sarasota Sailing Squadron (its venue) and the Sarasota Yacht Club and both groups help with funding and equipment. While only 2/3rds of the SYSP expenses are covered by tuition, the dedication of parents and the community have allowed it to grow into the world-class program that it is.

 David Livingston believes that sailing is important for our youth. “Keep them occupied, teach them sportsmanship and maintain a healthy environment, that is why we are here!” David, a former teacher, has been involved in Sailing in the Northeast and has run multiple programs on the east coast. His level of professionalism and dedication keeps the SYSP excelling.

Many of the Summer Coaches for the 400 plus summer sailors come from within the ranks of the year round sailors. They move through an established system where they are sailors first, then mentors, and then they become certified to teach sailing, as they become coaches. One SYSP sailor was lucky enough to be a star sailor with the US Merchant Marine Academy, then to be selected as one of the best young sailors in America as he became part of the Morning Light Project with Roy Disney. The movie Morning Light sheds light on what it takes to go from a world-class dinghy sailor to a world class Transpac Sailor. Chris Branning sailed with the youngest Transpac crew ever aboard the TP 52 Morning Light. With great humility Chris came back for a special screening of the Morning Light Movie for the SYS. He stood in front of the theater and answered questions from a group of Opti sailors, and talked about how he felt when he was sailing as part of the Sarasota Youth Sailing
David also appreciates Sarasota. “We have an exceptional sailing venue, a good bay, good wind and a great location at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron. When the kids are on the water they can look around at the other sailors on the bay. They might see an Olympic Champion, an America’s Cup skipper, an Americas Cup boat, and so on. Sarasota attracts the best and we are proud to be part of that community.”

The Board relies heavily on Board Member Serge Jorgensen’s skills and direction. Named as National Coach of the year, Serge has served as Disabled Sailing Team Head Coach. Jorgensen is widely recognized for making the US Disabled sailing program into one of the best in the world. He also serves as president of the International Federation of Disabled Sailors. Serge’s skill and distinctions help in making Sarasota Youth Sailing special.
But most importantly, it is about the kids. This program exists for their benefit; it is their home and their sport.