Monroe Community Sailing: Season One Is a Wrap!
September 27, 2024
by Caroline O’Malley
This past summer, the Foundation embarked on an exciting journey to bring community sailing to Monroe Harbor! We had six wonderful weeks of fun aboard our graciously donated J100 sailboat and one of the Chicago Yacht Club's 23-foot Sonar keelboats. During that time, more than 70 kids experienced sailing for the very first time. In my role as the Foundation’s first community sailing manager, I sensed the excitement was palpable, and I’m pleased to say that many of them are already looking forward to coming back for another season next year.
Our participants came from various community organizations, including the Union League Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago, One Family Illinois, St. Paul Parish, and South Loop Elementary. These partnerships were essential in helping us reach enthusiastic participants, many of whom may not have had the opportunity to experience sailing otherwise.
At Monroe Sailing Camp, our young sailors had more than just fun on the water—they also had the chance to learn about the fundamentals of sailing and the science behind it. Throughout the program, participants engaged in hands-on lessons that covered a wide range of topics, including weather patterns and how they affect sailing conditions, the physics involved in maneuvering a sailboat, and the basics of boat design. These lessons helped the kids better understand the mechanics of sailing, from reading radar and wind direction to the essential skills of steering and handling sails. By the end of the program, most kids could confidently explain how sails work and what it takes to safely navigate a boat.
For me as the program manager, one of the most rewarding parts of the program was seeing the growth in confidence among the kids. At the start of each session, there were always a few participants who were hesitant to get on the boats, unsure of what to expect. But as soon as they felt the wind in the sails and started working as a team, their apprehensions disappeared, replaced by joy and excitement. One of my favorite moments came from a young girl from the Union League Boys and Girls Clubs. After her first day of sailing, I asked her how she felt, and she said, “I didn’t think I could do something like that, I am so proud of myself!” It was a touching reminder of how impactful the program can be—not just teaching skills, but also fostering a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem.
The success of our summer program wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our four talented and dedicated sailing instructors. These passionate individuals brought a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to each session. Their teaching went beyond simply showing the kids how to sail. They created a safe, welcoming environment where every participant felt encouraged to take risks, learn from their mistakes, and ultimately succeed. Many of our instructors had their own stories of learning to sail as kids, which helped them relate to the campers and inspire them to persevere when things got tough.
In addition to the technical skills the kids learned, sailing also taught them about teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Sailing is a sport that requires a group effort; whether it’s raising the sails or steering the boat, every member of the crew plays a crucial role. The kids quickly learned the importance of working together and trusting one another. Through these collaborative efforts, they gained a greater sense of responsibility and respect for the natural elements they were navigating.
As we look ahead to future summers, we hope to expand the program to reach even more children across the city. We are exploring options to acquire additional boats, partner with more community organizations, and increase the number of sessions. Our vision is to make sailing accessible to all, breaking down barriers and showing kids that the water can be a place of learning, adventure, and personal growth.
The Monroe Harbor Community Sailing Program has proven to be more than just a summer sailing camp—it’s a place where children can discover new passions, build confidence, and connect with their peers in meaningful ways. This summer’s success was just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see how the program grows in the years to come.
We would like to extend a special thank you to all our partners, instructors, and donors who helped make this summer such a success. And, of course, to the kids—your enthusiasm and willingness to dive into this new experience made it all worthwhile. We’ll see you on the water next summer!