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Youngsters learn teamwork, confidence at sailing
program
By Pamela A. Keene
 For
eight days, nearly a dozen youngsters took over the cove adjacent to
University Yacht Club to learn how to sail. But this was no ordinary
sailing school; it was the Brendan Sailing Program-Atlanta, designed
to help youngsters with learning differences build confidence,
understand teamwork and make new friends.
“By the third day, these kids were handling boats
like naturals,” said Susan Reddaway, one of the directors of the
school. “It’s been amazing to see their progress and how they’ve
opened up since first coming out.”
The youngsters, from age 10 to 14, paired up with
fellow classmates and took to the water on 420-class sailboats on
loan from the Atlanta Sea Scouts. After each passed a comprehensive
swim test, they split their time between the classroom – learning
the names of boat parts, water safety and rules of the road – and
time on the water. Each morning they rigged their own boats and
spent most of the day on the water. Life jackets went on the minute
they arrived at the Beach House at University.
“My favorite part is tipping the boat over,” said
Elena Feliciano, 10, an energetic young lady who wears a big smile.
Capsizing and righting the boat again is one of the first things
these youngsters are taught, to help them understand that they’re in
control and how to handle tough situations.
Keni Bartal, 12, who sailed with Elena, practically
finished her story. “You get to get in the water, but you’ve got to
make sure your friend and your boat are OK,” she said. “Then you
learn how to put the boat back up.”
Matthew Sparman, 11, took to sailing like a fish in
water. His uncle Paul Swanson is an avid sailor on Lanier and
frequently takes Matthew on the family’s Elliott sailboat. “We’re
having so much fun,” Matthew grinned, then rattled off the names of
boat parts in rapid succession. “It’s really cool.”
 The
youngsters had instruction from two Brendan teachers from Annapolis,
where the program began more than 20 years ago. Local sailors,
including Nick Cumbie, Bobby Bartolotta, Kenneth Munn and Tom
Hinton, also taught the kids. Rob James served as the program’s
volunteer coordinator. Bruce Barrett and Kip Peterson with the Sea
Scouts worked the coaching boats with other instructors. Reddaway,
Pam Eastman and Linda Merkle managed the day-to-day operational
duties and taught as well.
“The purpose of the school goes way beyond teaching
youngsters how to sail,” Eastman said. “It was developed to work
with children who have learning difficulties, helping them gain
confidence and learn about teamwork. Sailing is just the vehicle for
the learning environment, but when these kids finish the class, they
take their parents on solo sails. The parents are amazed at how far
their children have progressed in such a short time. It is simply
incredible.”
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