The winningmost Olympic Sailor, Sir Ben Ainslie didn’t just arrive in Athens ‘96 to claim his first medal, his Journey started in the Optimist dinghy, as did Pete Burling on his way to an America's Cup legacy.
While generational talents are fostered in these youth classes there are many more participants who develop a lifelong love of the water, also learning valuable skills and lessons that go far beyond sailing.
Much like the first moment a child rides a bike, sailing these youth classes gives each child an immediate sense of independence, suddenly they are in control of where they go and how they get there.
Resilience, problem solving, teamwork and planning are just some of these life skills that are the backbone of our team in Detroit, something many of the Offshore staff learned on the water at a young age.
This summer, Offshore Spars proudly sponsored the Junior Sailors Program at Bayview Yacht Club during the annual Bayview Yacht Club Regatta, held July 31–August 1. It was a weekend full of skill, energy, and community—a reminder of why youth sailing matters to the future of the sport.
Since its inception in 1950, the Bayview Junior Sailing Program has been teaching safe boat handling and motivating young people ages 8 to 18 to build confidence and competence on the water. Beyond sailing technique, the program fosters camaraderie, accountability, and a respect for the sport and each other.
In recent years, the club has seen a steady influx of kids joining the program. This growth reflects both strong community interest and the quality of instruction offered. Families from across the area are enrolling their children not only to learn how to sail, but to develop lifelong skills through a sport that emphasizes independence, teamwork, and resilience.
Each summer, a roster of dedicated instructors—many of whom grew up in the program themselves—return to share their knowledge and passion for sailing. These coaches create an environment where kids not only learn the fundamentals of small boat sailing, but also experience the joy and confidence that come with it.
This year, more than 80 young sailors took part in the program—up from just 40 in 2019, marking steady and consistent growth over the past several seasons. Many of them participated in weekly regattas that rotate between Bayview and other local clubs, including Detroit Yacht Club, Grosse Pointe Yacht Club, and Crescent Sail Yacht Club.
John VanTol, President of the nonprofit Junior Sailing Program at Bayview, has seen firsthand how impactful sailing can be for kids and families. His own children have come up through the program, and it’s where he met his wife. “It becomes a family thing,” he said. “You see kids grow in confidence, responsibility, and community.”
The program runs from June through mid-August and offers several youth sailing pathways depending on experience and interest:
Nine coaches, including three from Argentina, lead the full-day sessions from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. They offer instruction, mentoring, and a fun, structured environment. The season wraps with an awards banquet that celebrates each sailor’s growth and progress, a highlight for families and participants.
We were fortunate to spend time at the Bayview Yacht Club Regatta and left inspired by the level of enthusiasm and growth on display. These young sailors are not only learning how to handle a boat; they’re developing discipline, leadership, and a lifelong connection to the water.
At Offshore Spars, we believe in supporting programs like this because they help build the next generation of sailors. It’s where passion for the sport begins—and where future champions, boatbuilders, and lifelong racers get their start.
Bayview’s junior program has helped launch the careers of some of the sailing world's most accomplished competitors:
These sailors represent what’s possible when talent is met with opportunity, coaching, and community — all of which Bayview continues to provide to the next generation.
Established in 1957, Bayview Yacht Club Junior Sailors is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Donations directly support:
The program’s mission is to inspire and educate children, young adults, and amateur sailors through the sport of sailboat racing. It fosters a love for the water, personal growth, and a deep sense of responsibility. Guided by experienced coaches, students not only become skilled sailors, but also develop into confident, resilient individuals—on and off the water.
If you’d like to support this mission and help grow the sport of sailing for future generations, you can donate here.
