St. Thomas Sailing Center

Twenty-Three Students Graduate from Junior Sailing Summer Program – Hosted by St. Thomas Sailing Center & Supported by VIPCA and RapierMed

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Graduation from the Junior Sailing Summer Program on July 31 at the St. Thomas Sailing Center marked not the finish line, but the beginning of a lifetime of confidence, competence, and enjoyment on the water for twenty-three St. Thomas teens. The free program for U.S. Virgin Islands public school students was presented by the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA) through its nonprofit Marine Rebuild Fund and made possible by a $25,000 annual sponsorship from RapierMed LLC, a St. Thomas-based medical and healthcare investment group. Now in its sixth year, the program has introduced nearly 100 students, ages 12 to 17, to sailing and seamanship.

Next Generation Learns to Navigate the Seas

Sailing down big waves off the east end of St. Thomas proved a highlight for 16-year-old Quinnton Caines. "I liked sailing and driving the Hobie Waves best."

For Caines' mother, Avril Dyer, participation in the program marked a continuation of her son's love of the water. "He's an accomplished swimmer, having finished third in his age group at the Beach-to-Beach Power Swim on St. John this year. Next, we wanted him to explore boating, and this was a great avenue for him."

The graduates completed 10 fun-packed days of learning to sail after completing swimming lessons at the St. Thomas Swimming Association pool.

“Sailing Hobie Waves and IC24s, they learned nautical knots, sailboat parts, tacking, gybing, and person-overboard drills. For many, it was their first time experiencing the incredible marine environment surrounding St. Thomas. Daily adventures included snorkeling, swimming, and an all-day excursion to Cas Cay. Watching students overcome their fear of capsizing, gain confidence, and then focus on improving their technique and speed has been incredibly rewarding. We are proud to inspire the next generation and share the magic of the ocean with them," says Bobby Brooks, director of the St. Thomas Sailing Center, based at the St. Thomas Yacht Club, near Red Hook.

On land and at sea, instruction was provided by the St. Thomas Sailing Center staff, which included Brooks, Hailey Hathaway and Spencer LeGrande. Parents were treated to a sail with their teens at the helm on graduation day before the certificate presentation.

"RapierMed is proud to sponsor the Junior Sailing Summer Program since its inception and for the 6th consecutive year. We believe investing in young people is one of the most meaningful investments we can make in our community. This program provides far more than sailing instruction —it builds confidence, develops practical skills, and opens doors to careers in the Virgin Islands' marine industry. Watching graduates leave with the knowledge and experience to pursue those opportunities is exactly the kind of impact we hope to support. We congratulate this year's class and look forward to seeing where their journey takes them," says Dr. George Rapier, president, RapierMed, LLC.

The 2026 Junior Sailing Summer Program graduates are Destine Bryan, Quinnton Caines, Priceberd Cesar, Tristan Daniel, De'Mari Davis, Amarni Douglas, Ryon Espinal, Malikai Frontal, Czakem George, Giovanni Gordon, Icezavia James, Myken Joseph, Elensky Loranvil, Maleah Marie, Elijah McCants, Jaden Meade, Samuel Jean Pierre, Earl Questel, Aden Stapleton, Ajoni Stapleton, Tristen Tatum, Jordan Vanterpool, and Kisha Xavier.

CITs (Counselor’s In Training) for 2026 were Kennedy Ambo, Victoria (Tori) Aubain, Czade George, Terrance George, Paul Hayes, Elijah Perryman, Jayden Shackell, and Leah Williams.

"We are thrilled every year to see this program continue to grow. The Jr. Swim Sail Program, thanks to RapierMed, marks a crucial step in developing the future of the marine industry and blue economy in the Virgin Islands. We're grateful this year for the additional publicity and partnership that the Office of Gun Violence Prevention has brought to the program," says Kennon Jones, Executive Director of VIPCA.

A special thank you to Jones; Serina Blanco, director of special projects and compliance for RapierMed; Senator Marvin Blyden; Office of Gun Violence Prevention Staff – Antonio Emanuel, executive director, Bruce Flamon, Community Outreach Coordinator St. Thomas, and Rev. Dr. Gerald McDonald, Survivor Engagement Specialist St. Thomas; and St. Thomas Yacht Club Board Members Laura Martin, Emily Zimmerman, and Mike Chappell.

Summer Student to Captain

Graduates of the Junior Sailing Summer Program can continue learning valuable marine skills in the After-School Sailing Program, also held at the St. Thomas Sailing Center, and sponsored by IGY's Yacht Haven Grande St. Thomas. The program begins in January, takes place each Wednesday afternoon, and is free to Junior Sailing Summer Program graduates. This initiative has grown from four returning students to over 15 aspiring sailors.

These two youth programs serve as a gateway to VIPCA's Marine Apprenticeship Program, supporting young adults aged 18-30 in becoming employable within the USVI marine industry, with the opportunity to earn their USCG OUPV Captains' certifications. The St. Thomas Sailing Center teaches a five-day learn-to-sail course as part of the apprenticeship program.

For more information and to help sponsor these youth programs, please call (340) 690-3681, email: [email protected], or visit: www.stthomassailingcenter.com. Or, visit: www.vipca.org/junior-sailing-summer-program, and www.vipca.org/youth-training

RapierMed
VIPCA - Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association
St. Thomas Yacht Club
Caribbean Sailing Association
The Virgin Islands Consortium
Virgin Islands Source
The Virgin Islands Daily News
WTJX Virgin Islands Public Broadcasting System

Sixth Annual VIPCA Junior Sailing Summer Program Empowers Youth Through Sailing

Smiles were wide, and excitement ran high Monday morning as 32 teens, ages 13 to 17, launched the sixth annual VIPCA Junior Sailing Summer Program at the St. Thomas Sailing Center, the learn-to-sail arm of the St. Thomas Yacht Club. Sponsored free to eligible public school students by RapierMed, a St. Thomas-based medical and healthcare investment group, the program follows a month of swim lessons with the St. Thomas Swimming Association and introduces participants to sailing, seamanship and life skills over the next two weeks.

For Carol Howell, who brought four members of her soccer club to the camp, it is about much more than sailing. "At first the kids didn't get it. 'We play soccer on land,' they said," says Howell. "But I looked at it as an economic opportunity. Soccer isn't just about developing athletes. It's about discipline, learning new things, becoming well-rounded young people, exploring something new and gaining knowledge."

For counselor-in-training Keondy Ambo-Garrett, the program has come full circle. Once a camper and now in his fourth year helping lead the program, he enjoys giving back. "It's fun to be able to pass the experience and skills I have on to others," he says.

St. Thomas Yacht Club
VIPCA - Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association
RapierMed
Caribbean Sailing Association
United States Virgin Islands

These 5 champ fleet sailors have been sailing in the 2026 Optimist World Championship in Morocco and are killing it! Opti worlds started June 18th and will finish June 28th with 284 sailors on the line. Stay tuned for final results and let’s all wish these amazing sailors the best of luck!!!

Thank you The Virgin Islands Daily News for this great article! If your a member of the USVI Hotel & Tourism Association, get your team together now and plan on racing in this event in May 2027!

St. Thomas Yacht Club
United States Virgin Islands
Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham - St. Thomas
Coral World Ocean Park
Caribbean Sailing Association
Usvihta Membership
US SailingUS Sailing

Thank you Sail-World! Putting the Emeralds of the Sea U.S. Virgin Islands on the map!!
https://www.sail-world.com/news/296032/USVI-Hotel-and-Tourism-Association-Regatta

St. Thomas Yacht Club
United States Virgin Islands
Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham - St. Thomas
Coral World Ocean Park
Caribbean Sailing Association
Usvihta Membership
US Sailing

All-Women Coral World Team Triumphs at 7th Annual USVI Hotel & Tourism Association Regatta Five teams representing the U.S. Virgin Islands hospitality and tourism industry competed in the 7th Annual Hotel & Tourism Association Regatta on Saturday, May 9, hosted by the St. Thomas Sailing Center (STSC) at the St. Thomas Yacht Club (STYC).

All-Women Coral World Team Triumphs at 7th Annual USVI Hotel & Tourism Association Regatta

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Five teams representing the U.S. Virgin Islands hospitality and tourism industry competed in the 7th Annual Hotel & Tourism Association Regatta on Saturday, May 9, hosted by the St. Thomas Sailing Center (STSC) at the St. Thomas Yacht Club (STYC). Racing aboard the Center's one-design IC24s, teams completed a series of competitive races that highlighted teamwork, communication, and sailing's role in the territory's marine tourism product. Coral World's all-women team earned first place with 5 points, followed by one of Margaritaville's teams in second with 13 points, and the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism team in third with 16 points.

Winners Named

Coral World's all-women team of Erin Moran, Eryca Hassing, and Sam Shively, racing aboard Desperado, earned the regatta win after a half day of close competition.

"Winning is, of course, what we liked best," says Moran. "There was so much interest among the employees that we were able to enter two teams. We're all passionate about the water, so we all jumped at the opportunity. Today, it was fun to come together as a team, to work together even though we all had different levels of sailing experience, and ultimately have fun."

The Margaritaville team of Mahlon Monsanto, Alique Briggs, Augustine Schneider, and K'Quadeem Christopher, racing aboard Voila, improved on their second year in the event with a runner-up finish.

"We were trying to get first place," says Monsanto. "Even though we finished second, we had a lot of good teamwork."

Representing the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism for the second consecutive year, Alani Hennaman-Todman, Ian Turnbull, Wilbert Smith, and Tanya Duran raced aboard One Love and successfully defended their third-place finish.

"We love sailing!" says Henneman-Todman. "The marine industry is an important part of our tourism product. It's always good to enjoy spending time with other members of our industry. Overall, it was a beautiful day, true Emeralds of the Sea like no other."

Coral World's second team, racing aboard Stinger, finished fourth with 19 points, while Margaritaville's second entry on Roundabout placed fifth with 22 points.

STYC members Amanda Attandi, Chuck Pessler, Rian Bareuther, Sam Martin, and Andy Johnson served as on-board team coaches.

Team Building in a Tourism Paradise

The morning's racing delivered ideal Caribbean conditions, with 12 to 15 knots of breeze powering three round-the-buoy races off St. Thomas' east end. Teams showed rapid improvement with each start, evolving from a spread-out fleet in the opening race to a much tighter and more competitive group by race three. The double-points final race sent crews on a clockwise circumnavigation of Great St. James, where teams tackled rolling seas along the island's north shore before making tactical decisions to navigate the swift currents on the south side.

"Few activities build teamwork quite like sailboat racing," says Bobby Brooks, director of the St. Thomas Sailing Center. "Success on the racecourse depends on communication, trust, and every crew member working together toward the same goal. It was rewarding to watch the teams grow more connected and confident throughout the event while also having a fantastic time on the water. Congratulations to all the competitors for their strong performance and great spirit."

Before the regatta, each team received a three-hour coaching session at the St. Thomas Sailing Center with Bobby Brooks and Hailey Hathaway, gaining valuable practice time along with racing techniques and strategy.

The 8th Annual Hotel and Tourism Association Regatta will take place in May 2027.

Special thanks go to the USVIHTA's President, Lisa Hamilton, and Public Relations, Laurel Kaufmann; the USVI Department of Tourism's Alani Henneman-Todman; Kalina Kennedy of Margaritaville; Neil and Trudy Prior of Coral World; STYC staff Lori Vaughn and Rebecca Carroll; and STYC volunteer Michael Connor.

About the St. Thomas Sailing Center

The STSC offers several sailing courses, from a 3-hour Intro to Hobie instruction that lets students, even those who have never sailed before, safely skipper a 16-foot Hobie Wave catamaran to an intensive 7-day Bareboat Certification course that enables students to bareboat charter a sailboat in places like the Virgin Islands. Other courses include Discover Sailing, 3 hours of instruction to learn the fundamentals of sailing, such as points of sail, sail trim, and boat parts; Learn to Sail; Performance Sailing, which covers skills for both cruising and racing; and Cruising Course, 4 days of practical liveaboard instruction. Private lessons are also available aboard the STSC's luxury Hanse 38-foot cruising boat. Half-day, full-day, and weeklong team-building courses are also available. All major courses include a Blue Water Membership in the St. Thomas Yacht Club (STYC) for 30 days, where you can enjoy all the amenities the club offers: bar, restaurant, tennis and squash courts, beach, and more. In addition, STSC provides an after-school program on Wednesdays to public school students, ages 8 to 16, who have participated in the annual VIPCA summer camp programs at the STYC.

For more information, call (340) 690-3681, Email: [email protected], or visit: stthomassailingcenter.com

St. Thomas Yacht Club
Usvihta Membership
United States Virgin Islands
Caribbean Sailing Association
Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham - St. Thomas
Coral World Ocean Park