Dozens Enjoy free Sailboat Rides at St. Thomas Sailing Center Open House on Sunday
by Carol Bareuther 3 Feb 01:16 UTC
February 2, 2025
Brief passing showers didn't dampen the fun for dozens of community members who came out Sunday afternoon for the St. Thomas Sailing Center's (STSC) Open House. "It's always fun to be part of the maritime scene," says Kewanna Young, of St. Thomas. "Experiencing what it's like to sail, the scenic views, and getting a chance to steer were most fun."
The STSC, the sail instruction arm of the St. Thomas Yacht Club (STYC), hosted the event, which offered free rides on IC24 sailboats and Hobie Wave catamarans and provided information about sailing courses, court sports, and Club membership.
"We watched the sailing and tried it at an open house last year. Now we'd like to learn," says Sue Goodhue, from Boston, Massachusetts, who attended with her husband Ethan.
Patti Sacchetti, who recently moved to St. Thomas from Philadelphia, sailed with the Goodhue's, and adds, "I always wanted to learn how to sail."
Many Open House participants were families with children.
"I liked going fast out on the water," says Amo de Roulet, age 12, who sailed with his St. Thomas-based parents and siblings.
Robert 'Bobby' Brooks, director of the STSC, says, "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. 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 several sailing courses, from 3-hour Intro to Hobie instruction that lets students, even those who have never sailed before, safely skipper a 16' Hobie Wave catamaran to an intensive 7-day Bareboat Certification course that enables students to bareboat charter a sailboat in places like the Virgin Islands. Other courses include Discover Sailing, 3-hours of instruction to learn the fundaments of sailing such as points of sail, sail trim, and boat parts; Learn to Sail; Performance Sailing, which covers skills for both cruising and racing; and Cruising Course, 4-days of practical liveaboard instruction. Private lessons are also available aboard the STSC's luxury Hanse 38' cruising boat. All our major courses include a Blue Water Membership in the St. Thomas Yacht Club (STYC) for 30 days, where you can enjoy all the amenities the club offers: bar, restaurant, tennis and squash courts, beach, and more. In addition, the STSC provides an afterschool program on Wednesdays to public school students, ages 8 to 16, who have participated in the annual VIPCA summer camp programs at the STYC.
For more information visit stthomassailingcenter.com