As the Caribbean summer unfolds across The Bahamas, dozens of young people are filling their school break with more than just leisure at the Royal Nassau Sailing Club’s annual summer sailing camp. Far more than a simple introduction to a watersport, this three-week program blends hands-on sailing instruction with intentional character building, helping young beginners build teamwork, confidence and transferable life skills on the open water.
Most participants joining the camp are first-time sailors, stepping onto a small boat for their very first sailing experience. Gabriel Newell, lead instructor for the beginner-friendly Sandfish class, explained that while a small handful of young sailors train through the Bahamas National Sailing School year-round, the majority only take part in the summer program, returning once annually to hone their abilities. Even for those just three days into their sailing journey, the camp prioritizes growth that extends far beyond basic boat handling.
“Sailing is not only just about sailing,” Newell explained. “It’s about character development. It’s about having fun, but being safe at the same time.” To balance structured learning and recreation, campers split their daily time between one-on-one sailing instruction and group activities, ranging from on-the-water games to land-based team challenges. Each Friday, the entire group travels to Athol Island for a dedicated beach day, where young sailors swim, compete in casual volleyball and soccer matches, and share group meals away from the dock.
For Newell, leading the camp is more than just a summer job – it is a full-circle opportunity to give back to a program that transformed his own life. He first encountered organized sailing as an eighth-grade student at T.A. Thompson Junior High School, through the Bahamas National Sailing School’s in-school outreach initiative that brought students to the Royal Nassau Sailing Club for weekly sessions. The experience quickly sparked a lifelong passion for the sport, and Newell began training year-round with the program. Eventually, former Bahamas National Sailing School director Robert Dunkley helped him secure a scholarship to study maritime studies at the prestigious LJM Maritime Academy.
Earlier this year, Newell completed all required training and sea time to earn his international Certificate of Competency, a globally recognized license that qualifies him to work on commercial vessels of any size – from large cruise ships to oil tankers and bulk cargo carriers. Now, as an instructor returning to the program that launched his career, he finds deep purpose in mentoring the next generation of Bahamian sailors.
“I am a product of the Bahamas National Sailing School,” Newell said, reflecting on his journey. “I came up through the ropes, I took my instructor’s course, and now I am teaching kids how to sail. It feels great. Sometimes I look at the little kids coming up, and I can see myself in them. In the future, I want to give even more than my time. I really want to invest in sailing in The Bahamas.”
Newell also shared his pride in the recent designation of sailing as The Bahamas’ official national sport, a milestone he says will open new doors for young Bahamians interested in the sport and help grow participation across the country for years to come.
Royal Nassau Sailing Club’s Summer Camp boosts confidence and teamwork
