WHO WE SERVE

Survivors
Our sailing programs create a restorative space for survivors of cancer, domestic violence, addiction, and other life-altering experiences to reset and reframe by spending a transformative day on the water.

Women in Sailing
Women in sailing are vastly underrepresented and often pushed to the side lines in this male dominated sport. We believe in the power of women seeing other women in positions of power to empower themselves.

Underserved Youth
Did you know many local children are "priced out" of ever being on a boat on Lake Tahoe? This disconnect leads to a lack of education about protecting our most valuable natural resource. Imagine how connecting to the Lake could alter a child's lifetime path!

First Responders
It's time to giveback to the community members who keep us safe! Firefighters, police officers, first responders, ski patrollers, nurses, etc. put their life on the line daily to keep us safe, and often experience and carry immense trauma from these roles.

WHAT DOES A THERAPUTIC SAILING PROGRAM LOOK LIKE?
our LOGISTICS
The wind on Lake Tahoe is generally best in the afternoons, which means getting out on the water after 12pm and back to the dock before sunset. The Catalina sailboats live at Tahoe City Marina, which is right next to a classroom in Boat Works Mall that we have access to. Depending on the size of the group and our specific goals, we may utilize the classroom before or after our time on the water. Each sailboat ranges in size from 22'-30', can take up to six passengers, and is always run by a US Coast Guard licensed Captain and experienced sailing instructor.
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the EXPERIENCE
Once on the water, we let the sailboat and nature do the work. We've seen a wide array of how different people react. For example,
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A cancer patient currently in treatment will make their way to the bow to lay in the sunshine and let the wind, waves, and clouds clear their minds after spending months, or even years in the hospital.
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A survivor of domestic abuse is drawn to the helm, and feels empowered by their ability to control a sailboat that is conversing with the wind in a life they may feel a lack of control over.
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A local teenager who has grown up just blocks from the Lake, but never been out on a boat, learns about the local watershed and the importance of protecting the clarity of the water.
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researched OUTCOMES
Research from organizations like UCLA, UCSD, the University of Queensland, and the Royal Yachting Association highlights sailing's comprehensive health benefits. Key mental health benefits stem from the release of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine during sailing activities. The meditative state of focusing on wind and waves reduces cortisol levels, while natural elements of sun exposure boost vitamin D production. The social and psychological aspects of sailing create additional health advantages. Group sailing builds community and supports mental wellbeing through shared experiences and teamwork. The sport develops self-reliance, confidence, and decision-making skills, which are linked to reduced anxiety and depression. The combination of physical activity, natural elements, social interaction, and skill mastery makes sailing particularly effective for both physical fitness and mental health enhancement.
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Read the full article, 'The Science behind how sailing improves your mental and physical health'.
