March/April 2020 GASPARILLA MAGAZINE 9
Riehl. “Because we’re all volunteers, we’re able to offer
our programs at a cost that’s affordable for many
who wouldn’t otherwise be able to access sailing.
Seeing kids grow in the sport of sailing, and especially
mature into responsible young adults, is what keeps
me and the rest of the team engaged.”
Courses for adults are also available, by the way,
and four-day adult courses are scheduled for March
and July of this year. The class is for anyone18 years of
age and older, and is 16 hours long, taught over four
days. Students can learn to sail or simply refresh their
skills with experienced sailing instructors. The
only prerequisites are the ability to swim
and the desire to sail.
Riehl said the organization has been
offering the adult classes since 2011. A fall
and spring course was held each year.
“Shortly thereafter we added a summer
class, which ran over two consecutive
weekends to accommodate working adults,”
Riehl said.
The classes normally have between 10
and 12 students. A waiting list is available in
case of last-minute cancellations, depending
on the availability of instructors.
“We maintain a ratio of one instructor
per two students, which ensures personalized
attention for every student,” Riehl said.
Sailors start in pairs on one of the six 14’
training boats (either a Hobie Holder 14 or
an RS Quest), with an instructor in the bow
of the boat while they’re out on the water.
Most students are able to sail without an
on-board instructor by the third day of the
class. Students do not need any prior sailing
or boating experience.
“Over the years we’ve introduced more
than 170 adults to the sport of sailing, and
many of them have become active
volunteers with Englewood Sailing
Association, helping
teach both adults and
youth how to sail,”
Riehl said.
The
organization
also has a 17’ sailboat,
which is very
accommodating for
adults with knee or
back problems. Sailing
is a mobile water sport,
and to avoid capsizing, the
sailor must move to the side
of the boat from which the wind
is blowing. This boat is a bit sturdier and easier for
those with mobility issues to navigate.