Waterwise

In past years, most of Bermuda's competitive sailors were born through club participation. These sailors were primarily introduced to sailing by their parents or through one of the yacht clubs. This implies membership and boat ownership, obviously limiting a great number of island children.
In 2000, the Bermuda Government mandated the WaterWise programme for middle school students, ages 11 and 12.

This programme is administered by the Bermuda Sailing Association (BSA) and works to teach academics through the activity of sailing. Throughout the school year the students learn elements of physics, math, geography and science as it relates to sailing and Bermuda's rich marine heritage. The BSA provides sailing instructors to visit the schools and work with the students in Optimist simulators-older boats that have been fitted with wheels and then land-sailed on the school courts. By using the simulators the students learn how to rig the boats, points-of-sail and basic tacking and gybing maneuvers. It is a wonderful way to progressively teach sailing skills.
In addition, taking water out of the equation eliminates the initial fear that many children experience. The simulator-or "dryland" sessions as we call them prepares the children for four to five days of on-the-water sessions at the end of the school year. It is amazing to see their progress and the amount of confidence that sailing a boat, solo, can bring to a young child.
Sailing a small single-handed dinghy empowers a child with decision-making and problem-solving skills, while teaching them respect for nature and the marine environment. Even if they don't decide to race they now have an activity that can last a life-time. Sailing well demands a high level of discipline, concentration and commitment. These are attributes that can lead a child down a more positive path in life, possibly keeping them from choices that might limit their future. If they do choose to stay with sailing, the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club, Bermuda Sailing Association, Bermuda Optimist Dinghy Association (BODA) and the Bermuda Sloop Foundation have all pulled together to make sure they stay on the water.
In 2005 ten of the WaterWise graduates participated in summer sailing camps. Of those, one chose to sail through the school year. This young man has made a huge commitment to sailing and by doing so has participated in the Opti South American's, North American's and recently returned from Italy where he competed in the Opti Worlds. It's a bonus that the WaterWise graduates are able to train and compete with a large number of competitive sailors.
Bermuda has an abundant amount of playing fields for sailing and with the support of Government, private companies and area organizations. It may someday be the national sport of Bermuda.