2012 Brochure
Team Paradise is a truly unique sailing organization that gives the disabled community an opportunity to sail whether it is for personal enjoyment, or more serious training for Paralympic events. Team Paradise established a partnership with Shake-A-Leg Miami and located at their Water Sports Center in Coconut Grove, next to Biscayne Bay. It's an ideal spot for sailing, may it be Learn to Sail, Racing or simply go for a Cruise.
The organization was created by Magnus Liljedahl, a gold medal Olympic sailor, who decided to share his expertise with others through sailing lessons at Team Paradise, which he founded in 2005. He has explained that sailing is an ideal sport for people with physical disabilities, because it is more of a mental sport with physical interactions, than it is purely physical. Generally, the disabled population wants to interact with the general population and sailing is a perfect sport for this. Boats don't know if a leg is missing or if the driver, or crew, suffers any other physical impairment. In short, sailing is one of the few sports in the world where disabled can win open events. Racing sailboats requires knowledge of the elements. One has to be able to read what they can't see, namely the wind. Strategy, tactics and the racing rules are other important components in order to master the sport.
There are several ways to go sailing with Team Paradise. It offers a 5 day, or 15 hour Certification Course which is taught on one of Team Paradise's 23' Sonar Keel Boats. It teaches proper sailing techniques and also Standard Operating Procedures for the vessel. The certification ultimately qualifies the holder to charter boats for personal enjoyment from Team Paradise.
The most recent product offered is the Weekend Racing. It seamlessly integrates all levels of sailing skills in to one. It begins with the ability to sail in a straight line, holding a course, at all points of sails. The Calle8 Drill brings on the time, distance and boat handling elements, all in preparation of starting maneuvers and then on to the race course itself. All details are covered in the comprehensive course material.
Spinnaker lessons are also taught on a keel boat such as the 23' Sonar. In this course one learns how to handle the spinnaker or 'kite', that adds a whole other dimension to down-wind sailing.
There is a weekly race on Wednesdays, during the summer time where, participants can sail Biscayne Bay in their own boat or in one of Team Paradise's sailboats for a reasonable fee.
Also, one can enjoy a cruise on Biscayne Bay, the choice winter venue for professional sailors world wide. Boats, captains, and safety equipment are all provided for making a safe, enjoyable, and relaxing experience.
Also, every third Saturday one can race on a Sonar, or 2.4mR boat, in the 'Flat Earth' Races.
The next, perhaps most intriguing, course is YogaSail!, a unique class that combines the dynamics of breathe movement with the movement of the wind. Lastly there is a Ladies Sailing Course that includes an all female crew; this setting can be applied to any of the courses or racing events.
Team Paradise is truly an organization that has something for everyone. Whether you want to learn or play or just sit back and relax Team Paradise has something to offer. Their focus of providing top-of-the-line equipment for disabled persons interested in professional racing, personal sailing lessons, or Paralympic events makes Team Paradise an attraction for people nationwide.