Looking toward 2025, the Reach Program has several exciting goals to continue building on its impact. Community sailing centers are integral to the mission of US Sailing’s Reach Program, serving as local hubs where young people engage with sailing as a platform for science, technology, engineering, math (STEM), and environmental learning. In the United States, 45 community sailing centers are currently accredited by US Sailing, each contributing to an accessible and educationally enriching environment.
The Reach Program is now pursuing a bold and ambitious goal: doubling the number of accredited centers to 90 by the end of 2025. This expansion represents a strategic move to make sailing education accessible to more youth, cultivating both interest in the sport and essential life skills. By providing resources, discounts, and professional connections, the program is working to make accreditation more accessible, thereby improving the standard of education and safety in youth sailing programs nationwide.
Building a Foundation for Aspiring Centers
Beyond doubling the number of accredited community sailing centers, one of the most exciting initiatives in the Reach Program’s roadmap to growth is the forthcoming “Organizational Handbook: How to Start Your Own Sailing Program 101.” Scheduled for initial teaser-releases in early 2025, this handbook will serve as a comprehensive guide for those interested in establishing their own sailing center, providing step-by-step
instructions and expert insights. The handbook is designed to break down barriers by guiding readers through critical aspects of creating and maintaining a successful, inclusive, and non-competitive education-based youth sailing program.
For community leaders and educators, the “Organizational Handbook” will offer advice on everything from funding to programming, helping them navigate challenges and build sustainable programs that are safe, educational, and welcoming to all. This resource reflects US Sailing’s commitment to making sailing more accessible, providing the knowledge and framework necessary for new sailing centers to thrive.
Leveraging Technology and Community Building Connections
To support its 2025 goals, the Reach Program is actively exploring new promotional strategies and leveraging digital channels to increase awareness of small boat sailing. Social media campaigns, community stories, and surveys will allow Reach to engage a larger audience and foster a sense of connection and shared purpose among community sailing centers nationwide. These efforts will spotlight stories from within the local communities, celebrate successes, and share best practices to inspire and equip new and existing centers. By providing a platform for these conversations, the Reach Program not only strengthens individual centers but also bolsters the collective impact of community sailing on youth development.
Expanding Partnerships of Reach Program
As the program grows and looks to expand its resources, the Reach Program is actively seeking partnerships and exploring opportunities to increase its visibility and reach. Through strategic alliances with educational, environmental, and community organizations, Reach aims to create a broader network of support and opportunities. These partnerships help secure grants, provide specialized resources, and facilitate events that further amplify the program’s reach. They also bring in valuable perspectives and expertise from other fields, which enriches the program’s offerings and strengthens its impact. This commitment to growth and outreach ensures that more young people will experience the power of sailing—and that their communities, and the environment, will be better for it.
Creating Lasting Change Through Community and Collaboration
The Reach Program’s ambitious goal to double the number of accredited centers by 2025 isn’t just about numbers—it’s about creating lasting change within communities. By offering structured support, practical resources, and a platform for shared learning, Reach is helping community sailing centers provide transformative experiences that develop both practical skills and a sense of responsibility toward the environment. Each new sailing center represents an opportunity to empower young people to engage with STEM, build environmental awareness, and cultivate personal growth.
The Reach Program’s focus on accessibility and collaboration is a model for how sports programs can contribute to youth development beyond the immediate activity. By making sailing more inclusive and educationally rich, the Reach Program is shaping the future of youth sailing, offering young people experiences that will impact their lives and communities for years to come. With a strong foundation of support and a clear vision for the future, the Reach Program is set to expand its impact, ensuring that more young people experience the unique blend of adventure, learning, and environmental stewardship that sailing has to offer.
For more information on US Sailing’s Reach Program, please visit https://www.ussailing.org/education/youth/reach/