Dedicated to changing lives by inspiring and empowering disabled and under-resourced communities, US Veterans, and others through recreational, educational, and healing programs that motivate and engage participants in the sport of sailing. These sailing experiences offer opportunities for personal growth, mentorship, global camaraderie, team building, and environmental awareness, while providing equal access to Biscayne Bay for diverse and underserved individuals.

As a US Sailing Accredited Community Sailing Center and Accredited Keelboat School, Team Paradise provides access to sailing on Biscayne Bay through recreational sailing, therapeutic sailing, STEM education, casual bay excursions, and corporate team building events. Team Paradise is a truly unique sailing organization that provides opportunities and education for everyone at all levels of ability: youth and adults, beginner to advanced. We make sailing accessible to all through tailored programs that meet the needs of each individual, including specifically designed programs for individuals with physical and/or intellectual-developmental disabilities. Team Paradise is built on three values of safety, fun, and learning, and is dedicated to getting you out sailing!

Team Paradise was founded in 2005 by Olympic sailor Magnus Liljedahl. After winning a gold medal at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, Magnus felt compelled to give back to the sailing community. He focused on training athletes with Paralympic ambitions, achieving great success with podium finishes at the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Paralympic Games. When sailing was removed from the Paralympic competition, Team Paradise adapted its mission and expanded its focus to include sailing programs for veterans with disabilities and youth from diverse backgrounds.

Team Paradise is powered by a team of US Sailing-certified instructors, Olympic sailors, and volunteers whose dedication makes our mission possible. Their expertise, enthusiasm, and care ensure every sailor has the support they need to succeed. Each volunteer who joins Team Paradise becomes a part of our deeply connected and devoted team that looks out for one another and grows together.

We’re not growing for the sake of it; we’re doing it to serve more kids, strengthen our foundation, and the legacy that will sail on long after I’ve taken a step back. I plan to give this my full energy for nine more years. After that, I’ll pass the tiller but will still be on the board.

It is our job to reinforce key safety concepts while keeping students engaged. We aim to uphold and follow the Five Winning Functions of a Team:

1.     Trust one another

2.     Engage in unfiltered conflict around ideas

3.     Commit to decisions and plans of action

4.     Hold one another accountable for delivering against those plans

5.     Focus on the achievement of the collective results

 Team members must carry these functions into their teaching. Students and team members must treat each other with respect.