On the morning of Feb. 3 at Islamorada’s Founders Park, a group of young Middle Keys sailors making their first foray into international competition were buzzing with anticipation. Eager to test their skills in the 15th annual Buccaneer Blast Regatta, they rigged their vessels and prepared to set sail.
The Marathon Yacht Club, through the Marathon Yacht Club Educational Foundation (MYCEF), sent a team of five young sailors to compete in the regatta’s “Green” class. Just over 200 young sailors, from ages 8 to 18, participated in the global event, with participating countries including Italy, France, the Philippines, Mexico, the United States and the territory of Puerto Rico. Representing the MYCEF team were youngsters Tanner and Jackson Snowden, Skylor Willis, Sophia Rodriguez and Alexsandra “Sasha” Garcia.
The race course featured a three-mark loop leading to the finish line. In the opening race, Tanner Snowden dominated, leading 42 competitors to cross the finish line first. Although Snowden took the team out to an excellent start, weather conditions were less than ideal, and light winds forced the cancellation of most of the Feb. 3 races before tornado warnings and dangerous squalls canceled Sunday’s competitions.
“We were extremely proud of our team for their first time racing,” said Carolyn Shattuck, MYCEF board member. “They were not intimidated, did well on the starts, and none of our sailors were disqualified. Although none of our kids placed in the top 10, there were very cool pirate heads, skull heads and the like that were given away as prizes.”
The event and raffle all supported a fantastic cause: the Upper Keys Sailing Club’s Mark Sorensen Youth Sailing Program. This program offers affordable, accessible and inclusive sailing camps and instruction for young people in the Upper Keys and south Miami-Dade, ensuring everyone has a chance to experience the joy of sailing.
More than 80 dedicated volunteers from the Upper Keys Sailing Club ensured a smooth-running Florida Keys regatta, all the way down to the age-appropriate prizes. Every participant received a memorable souvenir, ranging from playful pirate heads and miniature ships in bottles to a bounty of “pieces of eight,” ensuring each sailor departed with a piece of the regatta magic.
For more than a decade, Middle Keys Sailing, a program under the MYCEF, has ignited a passion for the sport in the hearts of young people in Marathon and beyond. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to fostering a fun and safe environment for the community on the water, with all funds raised going toward this mission.
Middle Keys Sailing offers affordable instruction to all local youth, with free options for those facing financial hardship. They extend their passion for the water to adults through sailing classes and even provide marine-related scholarships for teens and college students. Their partner organization, U.S. Sailing, complements their efforts by offering online sailing education accessible to everyone.
MYCEF prioritizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, fostering confidence and competence in its students. Their sailing courses, taught by U.S. Sailing-certified instructors for both youth and adults, emphasize environmental responsibility and integrate STEM and marine science components.
Young sailors can embark on their journey with summer youth courses, while adults can start their learning journey with online theory classes offered by U.S. Sailing. This online foundation prepares them for a diverse selection of sailing courses, where they can then step aboard with a professional instructor to solidify their practical skills.
“We are excited to offer yet another summer sailing program,” said Shattuck. “Our sailing and science program is a perfect combination for those summer campers looking to get out on the water but also learn about our local ecosystem. We are looking forward to offering this opportunity to children ages 7-16.”
For more information about MYCEF and to learn about summer opportunities, visit mycef.education.
