We invite rising 8th and 9th grade students to explore sailing this summer through programs at the Florida Yacht Club Waterfront Summer Camps, an excellent way to get involved in this dynamic and rewarding sport.
For more information about the ESJ sailing program or summer sailing opportunities, please contact Nogay Dokmeci, the Director of Sailing at the Florida Yacht Club, at Sailing@thefyc.org.
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Episcopal School of Jacksonville Sailing Team Concludes Standout Season, Advances to SAISA District Championship
Jacksonville, FL — The sailing team at Episcopal School of Jacksonville has concluded an impressive 2025–2026 season, earning a 7th-place finish in the highly competitive SAISA North Points District and qualifying for the SAISA District Championship, an achievement comparable to advancing to a state championship in a team sport like soccer.
Competing in the South Atlantic Interscholastic Sailing Association (SAISA), the team faced top-tier programs from across the Southeast. At the District Championship, Episcopal sailors raced against some of the strongest teams in the country, including competitors traveling from as far as the U.S. Virgin Islands. At this regatta, the top three teams advanced to nationals, placing Episcopal among an elite group of high-performing programs in the region.
Beyond competition results, the season highlighted the unique demands of high school sailing. Often misunderstood as a purely recreational activity, competitive sailing requires both physical strength and endurance, as well as sharp mental focus, strategy, and split-second decision-making. Successful sailors must read wind patterns, anticipate shifts, and communicate effectively with their teammates, making it one of the most dynamic and challenging sports offered at the high school level.
The team’s graduating seniors exemplify this balance of athletic and academic excellence. As leaders on the water and in the classroom, members of the senior class will attend highly selective universities, including Dartmouth College and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Looking ahead, the Episcopal sailing program is focused on building the next generation of student-athletes. Rising 8th and 9th-grade students are encouraged to explore sailing this summer through programs at the Florida Yacht Club Waterfront Summer Camps. These camps provide an excellent introduction to the sport and serve as a pathway to joining the school team.
“Our program is about more than competition,” said rising Junior, Penelope Cornais. “Sailing develops resilience, confidence, and teamwork in a way few sports can. We’re excited to welcome new students who are eager to challenge themselves and be part of something special.”
For more information about the sailing program or summer sailing opportunities, please contact Nogay Dokmeci, the Director of Sailing at the Florida Yacht Club, at Sailing@thefyc.org.