The Sailing Passion Ignited in St. Thomas: An Inspiring Open House Event

On a sun-drenched Sunday in Cowpet Bay, St. Thomas, a wave of excitement stirred among local residents. The St. Thomas Sailing Center, in partnership with the island’s esteemed yacht club, hosted an open house, inviting the community to delve into the world of sailing. Bria James, a member of the Consortium team, was among the enthusiastic attendees journeying to the east of the island.

Aboard a sailboat, James engaged in conversation with her skipper, Dennis Nixon, about his profound love for sailing. “It’s a dance with nature; responding to the waves and winds, it’s a sensation you can’t replicate on land,” Nixon expressed passionately.

Nixon highlighted the Sailing Center’s invaluable program, designed to democratize access to this elite sport. For an annual fee of $1300, participants can access well-maintained boats, making sailing accessible without the hefty investment of owning a boat. Moreover, Nixon pointed out the potential of learning to sail for joining crews on vessels, further reducing the financial barriers to enjoying sailing.

Christian Rosenberg, a venerable member of the St. Thomas Yacht Club for nearly six decades, revealed that the open house was a part of a broader initiative to engage the community in sailing. Upcoming projects include a membership sponsorship program and a youth-focused initiative to impart marine skills, paving the way for professional opportunities in the field.

Rosenberg attributes his own sailing journey, which began at age ten in an 8-foot Optimus, as a pivotal influence in his life. The competitive spirit of racing ingrained in him a drive for excellence from a young age. As part of his contribution to the sport, Rosenberg helped design the IC-24 in the aftermath of Hurricanes Hugo & Marlyn, which devastated the local boat fleet. This innovative design, created to meet the specific needs of the Virgin Islands, combines comfort, accessibility, and economy, making it an ideal vessel for teaching sailing to all ages.

The open house’s impact was evident in Bria James. Her first sailing experience left her captivated, particularly by Nixon’s palpable enthusiasm and love for sailing. Inspired, she expressed a keen interest in further exploring the art of sailing. The event, thus, not only showcased the joys of sailing but also sparked a new generation’s interest in this elegant sport.