Team Paradise Sailing wrapped up its Siebel Sailors Program, and we saved the best for the last!

Along with learning the basics of sailing in a fun and inclusive atmosphere, Siebel Sailors gained intangible skills throughout the course of this season . . . .

Self-Confidence: There is simply nothing like being able to pilot your own craft. Riding a bike is one thing. Skillfully steering and docking a sailboat is quite another. Athletic endeavors and trying new things help to shape our sense of self as kids, and sailing is without a doubt one of the most instrumental.

Teamwork: Siebel Sailors create and operate under a mutual “crew code” that they develop themselves incorporating Siebel values (fun, effort, respect, student voice, and inclusivity).

Spatial Awareness: When kids learn how to navigate a boat through narrow spaces and tight turns, they develop a spatial awareness that translates to confidence in all activities that involve similar coordination. Like driving, for instance.

Sense of Direction: Noticing which direction you have come from, picking out landmarks and knowing how to get back home -- that awareness is crucial to having a sense of direction.

Weather Knowledge: Siebel Sailors learn which direction thunderstorms are coming from. They learn to read the tides, the waves and the currents.

Shipshape Habits: Siebel Sailors learn how to properly rig and unrig a boat. They learn to put things away in the right place, and how keep things tidy while on the water.

Mostly, though, our Siebel Sailors Program focuses on fun! Check out these pictures from last weekend…