Junior Sailing Program in St. Thomas Graduates 22 Sailors
The next generation of sailors in the US Virgin Islands took a confident step forward last week as 22 public-school students graduated from the 4th annual Junior Sailing Summer Program at the St. Thomas Sailing Center, located at the St. Thomas Yacht Club.
Now in its fourth year, the free summer program is a collaborative effort between the Sailing Center and the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA), with financial support from RapierMed LLC, a local healthcare investment group that donates $25,000 annually through VIPCA’s non-profit Marine Rebuild Fund.
“What started with just 14 enthusiastic participants has expanded significantly,” says Bobby Brooks, director of the Sailing Center. “This summer we welcomed 30 youth, including 22 first-time sailors. Eight of our past graduates returned as Counselors-in-Training to guide the new students, helping to foster safety, leadership, and hands-on learning on the water.”
The two-week program, open to students aged 13 to 18 from public schools in the Virgin Islands, offers both land-based and on-the-water instruction. Students began with swimming lessons at the St. Thomas Swimming Association pool before progressing to sail training aboard Hobie Waves and IC24s. Instruction included boat handling, navigation, weather awareness, safety, and teamwork—all delivered by a skilled crew of instructors including Brooks, Spencer LeGrande, Emily Verdoia, and Kasheem Sexious.
On graduation day, proud parents joined their teens for a sail before a beachside certificate ceremony at the yacht club.
“Watching these students complete the program and graduate with hands-on experience in the marine industry is a powerful reminder of how exposure and opportunity can shape futures,” said Trey Goldsmith, COO and General Counsel at RapierMed. “We’re excited to see how they carry these skills forward.”
VIPCA Executive Director Kennon Jones emphasized the greater impact: “This camp teaches teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving. It’s more than just sailing—it’s career preparation, and we are proud to support it.”
Graduates now have access to the After-School Sailing Program, held weekly starting in January and supported by IGY’s Yacht Haven Grande St. Thomas. Many will go on to VIPCA’s Marine Apprenticeship Program, where young adults can earn their USCG OUPV Captain’s licenses and prepare for employment in the marine sector.
For more information on the program or to become a sponsor, visit stthomassailingcenter.com or vipca.org/junior-sailing-summer-program.
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