FSDB students experience sailing during summer academy

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St. Augustine Sailing Enterprises on June 20 hosted 12 students from the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind during a morning and afternoon that included one-on-one and group sailing instruction and demonstrations along with time aboard vessels on the water.

Students studied key features of sailing on customized, handheld scale models of sailboats with a full range of moving parts. They also learned knot tying with small blocks, ropes and cleats, which each student received as a gift. A complimentary lunch was served. Later in the afternoon, students departed on four sailing vessels with sailing instructors and captains, school staff and volunteers on the nearby Intracoastal Waterway to learn about points of sail with hands-on activities and a short time at the helm to experience being the master of the vessel.

The program with the FSDB Expanded Core Curriculum Summer Academy included 9-year-old through 16-year-old students who are blind or visually impaired and attending the school in St. Augustine.

According to Rose Ann Points, company crew members and area captains volunteered their time during all activities while working with instructors and chaperones.

“The inspirational day with students from the neighboring school involved our expertise in teaching young people how to sail and improve their abilities from beginners to seasoned sailors. We enjoyed our time with the children, many of whom have never experienced sailing, or the key techniques involved in the sport,” said Points. “The day of teaching and sailing was fun for us as we also donate our time, fleet of sailing vessels, and expertise to fundraisers with St. Augustine Sailing Sisters and Betty Griffin Center, among others,” she said.

St. Augustine Sailing is located at Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor, 3076 Harbor Drive in St. Augustine.