Sailing Through Childhood

The wind shifted and grew stronger. It threatened to blow her small Opti sailboat off course. She had to think fast, process the situation, and make a decision before her competitor overtook her, claiming first place for himself. Alexandra Brehm tightened her grip on the tiller and adjusted the mainsheet, holding her course and sailing through the finish line.

When Alexandra started sailing with the Mark Sorensen Youth Sailing Program, she didn’t even know what a mainsheet was. At 8 years old, she was older than some of the other beginners, but they all shared a nervous apprehension as their small boats bobbed in the water.

“I was a little scared at first,” Alexandra says, “but with the coaches nearby and the experienced kids encouraging me, I quickly overcame my fear and started having fun. As a kid, being completely in control of something was new and exciting.”

Now 16 years old, Alexandra relishes the sound of the ratcheting block as she confidently skippers her two-person sailboat with her crew. She has recently become a Junior Coach after completing her Lifeguard, Rescue Diver, and US Level 1 Sailing Certifications.

“Now I get to coach little kids and help bring them up through the program,” Alexandra says proudly. “Plus, I get some pay or lots of volunteer hours for school.”

Alexandra’s father, John Brehm, was a newbie when Alexandra started, too. He signed Alexandra up for the popular summer program and seeing she couldn’t get enough of it, enrolled her in the year-round program. Before he knew it, he was a sailing dad, learning as much about the sport through supporting his daughters (his youngest, Piper, followed in the wake of her big sister). Now, John is the Youth Sailing Director with the help of his wife Amy.

“I have seen what this sport has done for my daughters and the other kids in the program, You see them transform from unsure kids looking to their parents to confident sailors looking to the horizon.”

The Summer Sailing Program introduces kids ages 6-18 to sailing in a small community atmosphere. They learn to sail on a variety of safe, child-friendly boats, gaining confidence, independence, and an appreciation for the Florida Keys.

“Growing up in the Keys, kids are around the water all the time, and they should be out there experiencing it,” John says. “That’s what our program does. It makes sailing affordable, accessible, and inclusive to the Upper Florida Keys.”

MSYSP is a non-profit organization and awarded 25 scholarships last summer to kids who might never otherwise experience sailing. Some of the recipients were from the free lunch program, the children’s shelter, and special needs classes. “Our goal is to get any kid who wants to sail out on the water.”

For those who want to embrace the sport further, the Mark Sorensen Youth Sailing Program also offers year-round programs, including opportunities to compete around Florida.

“I have made friends in the circuit from all over,” Alexandra says. “As we’re trying to block or pass, we joke around and get to know each other. It’s friendly competition at its best.”

The young sailors particularly look forward to the Buccaneer Blast Regatta, hosted by MSYSP right here in the Keys every February. More than 250 Opti and C420 sailboats dot the sea with kids at the helm, racing against each other in whatever conditions challenge them on the day.

“These kids can experience a whole slew of conditions in one race or practice,” John says. “I am always impressed by how they rise to the challenge. When given the chance, kids will impress you time and time again.”

To learn more about the various sailing programs, visit MarkSorensonYouthSailing.com