Wilderness Kids Students Take the Helm on a Beautiful Fall Sail

Nine middle school students set sail in Flying Scots on a beautiful October Day with instructors from the Washington Sailing Marina.

On October 18, nine middle school students braved the waters of the Potomac aboard three Flying Scot sailboats. A team of savvy instructors greeted us at Washington Sailing Marina right where the students' hometown meets the river, and suited up the group for a morning at the whim of the early autumn breeze. 

For many of the students, this was their very first time on a sailboat, and as they stepped from firm ground onto the wobbling decks of the boats, they stepped out of their comfort zones. But the students were not just along for the ride. From the moment they hopped on board, the instructors had them rigging the boat. It quickly became a competition as each crew raced to be the first to rig their lines, hoist their sails, and set out for open water. 

Students share the tiller of a Flying Scot as they sail down the Potomac.

The morning wind proved steady, and soon three boats left behind the Virginia shore and set course south toward the Wilson bridge. In no time, Wilderness Kids students were at the helm of each boat, steering their peers across the river. With the wind blowing upriver from the south, the young captains quickly learned that they couldn’t just point the boat downriver and expect to move straight. Rather, they had to position themselves perpendicular to the wind and tack back and forth across the river, gradually travelling south. 

With one student at the helm, a crew of their peers managed the ropes, pulling the jib into position with each jibe. The crews quickly found that communication was essential to getting the timing right and making the turn as smooth as possible. 

As they sailed across the water, the students basked in a gorgeous sunny fall day, marvelled at the river, and chased after birds perched out on the water. Approaching the Old Town shoreline, they pointed out the bike path, visible amongst the trees, where they biked with Wilderness Kids just two week earlier. 

Before long, students had gained their sea legs and were as comfortable as life-long sailors.

By the time they turned back upriver, the students had found their sea legs (or perhaps river legs!). Many climbed onto the bows of the boats to gain a new perspective and a little bit of thrill. When the marina was back in sight, a gentle downwind sail turned into a fiery race to the finish line with students pulling out paddles in the hopes of launching their boat to victory. 

Back at the marina, students hopped on and off the boats with the ease of long time sailors as they helped de-rig. Once all the boats were tied up and sails were properly folded, the newly-minted sailors dug into a riverside lunch and played tag on the grassy banks of the Potomac. 

This wind-powered day on the river happened because of the generosity and committment of the Washington Sailing Marina. Thank you to all of the staff for sharing your knowledge with us, and welcoming us on to your boats, and into your Potomac sailing community!

Clockwise from top left: Students strike a pose even as they navigate at the tiller; racing for home, a student adds to the windpower with a few paddle strokes; life is two thumbs up when you are on a sailboat on a crisp fall day; a postcard shot; first step in rigging the sail--get the sail out of its bag; a student learns some more rigging from Washington Sailing Marina staff; peace out, sailors!