Junior Sailing Summer Program Hosted by the St. Thomas Sailing Center Graduates 22 Students
by Carol Bareuther 30 Jul 10:39 PDT
July 25, 2025
Junior Sailing Summer Program graduates, St. Thomas Sailing Center staff, and representatives from VIPCA and RapierMed on the beach in front of the St. Thomas Yacht Club © STSC / C. Bareuther
Twenty-two St. Thomas teenagers graduated on Friday, July 25, from the 4th annual Junior Sailing Summer Program, run by the St. Thomas Sailing Center.
The program, launched by the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA) in 2021 through its non-profit arm, the Marine Rebuild Fund, operates thanks to a $25,000 annual sponsorship from RapierMed LLC, a locally based medical and healthcare investment group. Nearly 70 students have graduated from the Junior Sailing Summer Program, a free program for U.S. Virgin Islands students attending public schools, since its inception.
"What started with just 14 enthusiastic participants has expanded significantly, with 30 young sailors this summer, including 22 brand new sailors," says Bobby Brooks, director of the St. Thomas Sailing Center, based at the St. Thomas Yacht Club, near Red Hook. "We are proud to highlight the achievements of our original participants. Eight of these talented individuals have advanced to become Counselors-in-Training (CITs), providing guidance and mentorship to the newer students. This initiative not only enhances the quality of the Junior Sailing Summer Program but also fosters leadership skills among our youth. Our CITs play a crucial role by allowing us to place more experienced youth alongside beginners in the Hobie Waves, ensuring a safe and effective learning environment."
Upon completing swimming lessons at the St. Thomas Swimming Association pool, the 13- to 18-year-old program graduates completed 10 fun-packed days of learning to sail onboard IC24s and Hobie Waves. On land and at sea, instruction by the St. Thomas Sailing Center staff, which included Brooks, Spencer LeGrande, Emily Verdoia, and Kasheem Sexious, covered understanding the parts of a boat, navigation skills, reading weather and conditions, safety basics, and, of course, plenty of sailing. Parents were treated to a sail with their teens at the helm on graduation day before the certificate presentation.
"RapierMed is proud to support the St. Thomas Sailing Center and VIPCA in its continued mission to educate and empower Virgin Islands youth. Watching these students complete the program and graduate with hands-on experience in the marine industry is a powerful reminder of how exposure and opportunity can shape futures. We're excited to see how they carry these skills forward into meaningful careers and lifelong passions," says Trey Goldsmith, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel for RapierMed, LLC.
The 2025 Junior Sailing Summer Program graduates are Selena Amaro, Althea Auguiste, Kent Bernier, C'Jyi Callwood, Janae Clarke, Malachi Cruz, Mehkai Francis, Malikai Frontal, Bryce George, Czade George, Czakem George, William (Paul) Hayes, Darrell Joseph Jr., Dylyn LaPlace, Sophia Laplace, MacAnthony Magras, Sayre Murraine, Jayden Shackell, Devile (Jayden) Stanley, Alicia-Marie Thomas, Leah Williams, and Aleek Willie.
CITs for 2025 were Victoria (Tori) Aubain, Kaj Baron, Jayden Brown, Arianna Fuertes, Keondy Ambo Garrett, Terence George, James LeCuyer, and Elijah Perryman.
"What makes sailing so rewarding for youth is that it teaches teamwork, self-confidence, resilience, responsibility, and problem-solving in a dynamic and ever-changing environment. I wish these new sailors have the wind forever at their back, pushing them along as they continue what I hope will be a lifelong passion for them. VIPCA is proud to be a supporter of the annual Junior Summer Sailing Camp in coordination with sponsorship by RapierMed and the fantastic staff at the St Thomas Yacht Club and its Sailing Center. Bobby and his team are absolutely the secret behind its continued success," says Kennon Jones, Executive Director of VIPCA.
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 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: , or visit: stthomassailingcenter.com. Or, visit: www.vipca.org/junior-sailing-summer-program, and www.vipca.org/youth-training