Youth Sailing, STEM
Magnus Liljedahl
SYSTEM S12-E1

Today was the first lesson of the Spring session. Except for a couple of the kids, none had sailed since the end of the Winter session on February 21 st. That is way too long. We all become “rusty” if we don’t sail on a regular basis. Once a week is not enough, but that is all we have, so we make the most of it. A small craft advisory was in effect, and we estimated the wind at about 15-20 mph. Coach Ella was prepared with various land drills, but we decided to go sailing instead and headed out through the Seaplane Channel.

SYSTEM S12-E1
Youth Sailing, STEM
Magnus Liljedahl
SYSTEM S11-E6

With the Olympic opréning ceremony taking place in Italy last night, hosting our own Olympic Day was a great idea. The classroom was decorated with Olympic memorabilia. Olympian Nikki Barnes and her crew, Ryan, and coach Pat Downey were in attendance. giving motivational speeches to all of us.

SYSTEM S11-E6
Youth Sailing, STEM
Magnus Liljedahl
SYSTEM S11-E5

Another cold front was supposed to descend on us today. It would bring rain, thunderstoms and windy conditions. It was suggested that we may need to cancel the day before. Looking at the weather radar this morning, it didn’t look good. The SYSTEM sailors stayed inside the classroom doing lab work, while our Next Level sailors did chalk talks and some land drills.

SYSTEM S11-E5
Youth Sailing, STEM
Magnus Liljedahl
SYSTEM S11-E4

What a Day!

Today was a very good day, perhaps the best day we ever had in our youth sailing program. I know, it's a big statement. We have had many good days before, and I can't remember ever having a really bad day. What made today so extra special was, in no particular order: watching kids who had never skippered a boat before now wanting to sail singlehanded or with any number of crew; and the camaraderie between the kids and the coaches: By now, the coaches are basically our best friends. Susan, our Executive Director, called for a debrief at the end of the day. We all need to stay on top of our certifications, such as Red Cross, SafeSport, and US Sailing; Team Paradise is the only Accredited Community Sailing Program on Biscayne Bay. We are honored to be in the position we are in, and we care about protecting….

SYSTEM S11-E4
Youth Sailing, STEM
Magnus Liljedahl
SYSTEM S11-E3

Despite the lack of wind and cooler temperatures both in the air and water, Team Paradise delivered on a safe and fun-filled day, both on land and on the water. While waiting for the wind to pick up, Coach Ella and Coach Justine had the Next Level sailors teach the SYSTEM kids about the Thin Ice Challenge while the volunteers prepared and launched the sailboats. Eventually, we towed out behind our Boston Whaler and our propeller-less safety boat….

SYSTEM S11-E3

City Sailing

City Sailing with Coral Gate Park (E-1)

City Sailing with Coral Gate Park (E-1)

There was another beautiful late afternoon on Biscayne Bay on October 20th, 2021. This time we had kids from Coral Gate Park visiting. Two RS Venture sailboats and a coach boat were launched, rigged, and ready to sail. We had three coaches lined up and ready to serve as the kids arrived. I must admit that we were a bit disappointed when only four kids plus a counselor showed up! Especially, since we can handle 12-14 kids, and considering the existing huge need for an after-school sailing program for the children of Miami, it’s a head-scratcher! We take out kids on a regular basis and there are always a few who really love it (sailing/swimming) and want to return for more fun and play on the Bay.