SAVING
OUR
SAILING
Q&A with Nicholas Hayes The Author of “Saving Sailing”
US SAILING had the opportunity to speak with Nicholas Hayes, the author of Saving Sailing, following his presentation at US SAILING’s 2010 National Sailing Program Symposium in League City, Texas. Hayes touches on a number of topics including what he learned at NSPS, youth sailing, the categorization of the sport, sailing as a family activity, the perception of sailing, and much more. Read what Hayes has to say…
US SAILING: What was your experience like at NSPS? What did you learn?
Nicholas Hayes: The group at NSPS was energetic, creative and thoughtful. I was hoping to witness the sharing of new ideas for teaching and retention with sound foundations and practical plans. I was especially excited to hear about both fledgling and fully-formed inter- generational sailing programs popping up in various parts of the country, some in partnership with other mentor-led organizations like the Scouts, and others in a homegrown model. It was also fun to hear observations that clubs are starting to see grandparents and parents step in and sail with their kids.
US SAILING: Talk about the discussions you had and the questions asked by participants of your breakout session. Did some have contrary or different opinions about the drop off in sailing participation?
Nicholas Hayes: In the breakout, programmers from all over shared their plans to put parents and younger kids on the water together. I must say, ideas were abundant, attendees were generous in sharing experiences with their peers, and their peers seemed genuinely interested in adopting and adapting what was discussed in their own waters. The breakout was the
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highlight of my time at NSPS, and I think it will result in some great new sailing opportunities next season. I didn’t sense, nor do I believe, that
the macro participation numbers are in question, except perhaps in narrowly- viewed (and ill-informed) blogs that originate where specific fleets are strong. I don’t take satisfaction in the fact that sailing is down; in fact, I view it as a tragedy of sorts (thus the book and the time-off work speaking tour). But I’m happy to report that at NSPS, I heard nearly universal concern on the part of the attendees for their clubs or the programs, combined with a real commitment to do something about it. I was very impressed with the group!
US SAILING: You indicated that kids are signed up to participate in so many activities that they can’t truly develop enough skills in one to be “great” or engage them enough to be interested in the activity for life. How can we ensure that sailing remains a life- long sport at a recreational level?
Nicholas Hayes: The first lesson should be that kids are not lazy, but they are consumed and overcommitted, and that it is a parent’s job to prevent this from happening. Second, the data doesn’t show a shortage of skill in sailing by kids – juniors programs are great skills-training machines.
By Jake Fish
Communications Manager US SAILING
Instead, it shows that we have come to view sailing just like we view soccer: something we might try and master as kids, but not something important enough to continue and pass on. I believe there are two groups
that need to take action: parents and programmers. If we want sailing to last beyond childhood and become part of a parenting life, parents must realize that sailing is accessible and available as a family-based activity, and give it a shot. Programmers need to be ready. As I explained in my presentation, we have overlapping needs, and therefore, I propose overlapping actions: Parents should: • Never pit sailing against soccer. (Sailing is much better, because it can be shared.)
• Start early so family time becomes a habit. (Need to break the must-be 8 paradigm.)
• Deliberately recover lost time whenever possible. (Especially when kids become teens.)
• Select programs that are designed for all ages. Create new ones if they aren’t available.
Programmers should: • Never pit sailing against soccer. • Start early so family time becomes a habit.
• Design for active intergenerational participation, and when that is impossible:
• Embrace the Minikani Model – homegrown peer-selected mentors as instructors. (read the book)
• Measure lifecycle and leadership skills – not wins.
US SAILING: Do you believe the sailing community has been overly divided into categories (cruising, racing, types of racing, classes, etc.)?
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