Sailing Into Confidence: CGSC’s School-Year Program Builds Skills On and Off the Water

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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,” says 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 com