About Us
Our Mission-To build pathways for self-confidence and personal growth in children with Learning Differences, through
individually tailored experiential instruction in sailing.
Brendan Sailing History
Brendan Sailing was named after St. Brendan, the Patron Saint of Navigation, honoring both a spirit of exploration and safe passage on the water. Our founder, drawing on his Irish heritage and lifelong love of sailing, chose the name as a symbol of courage, discovery, and guidance. Today, Brendan Sailing continues that tradition by helping youth navigate both the waters and the challenges of learning differences with confidence.
Our Staff
At Brendan Sailing, our staff bring both expertise and heart to every program. All instructors hold a minimum US Sailing Level 1 Instructor certification and are fully trained in the Brendan Approach, ensuring high-quality, adaptive instruction. With their positivity, enthusiasm, and genuine care, they create a safe and welcoming environment where every youth with learning differences in our program can succeed.
Our Board of Directors
The Brendan Sailing Board of Directors is made up of dedicated individuals from diverse professional and personal backgrounds. Each member generously contributes their time, talent, and expertise to guide the organization, ensuring its continued growth and impact. Their leadership and commitment are vital to advancing Brendan Sailing’s mission of empowering youth with learning differences through individually tailored instruction in sailing.
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Help make a difference in a child’s life- Only through your generosity and support can we maintain our Scholarship Program, Summer Camps,and After-School Sessions. We thank you for taking interest in our cause.
Get Involved With Us
Join us and be a part of a team that cares
Donate
Help make a difference in a child’s life- Only through your generosity and support can we maintain our Scholarship Program, Summer Camps, & After-School Sessions. We thank you for taking interest in our cause.
Gears
Building self-confidence and social skills in youth with Learning Differences through sailing.
Donations
Volunteer Hour
Youth Served
Years of Making an Impact
Work With Us
Join us and be a part of a team that cares
Become a VOLUNTEER
Want to support Brendan Sailing with your time or expertise? Get involved and volunteer in a variety of ways. Tell us about your interest in our organization, how you want to help, when you are available, and other details. Start the process by filling out our volunteer form.
Parent of Brendan Sailor, 2025
"I could see a confidence boost in my son after only a few days at camp. It was overall an awesome experience for him."
Parent of Brendan Sailor 2025
"We are deeply grateful to Brendan Sailing for providing such an enriching and supportive environment for our son. The sailing camp has been a transformative experience for Anthony, and we highly recommend it to any family with a child who has learning differences. It's more than just a camp; it's a place where children can thrive, build confidence, and create lasting memories."
Parent of Brendan Sailor, 2025
"Our son was very nervous about attending Brendan Sailing camp, he knows how to sail from family excursions. The first few days he didn’t say too much but at graduation day it was a huge change to see him interacting. He made a friend, this is a huge deal for him and he said that he wants to now be a counselor for sailing and learn to help others. For him, this was a huge step to think beyond his needs and how to simply do things for his own learning to wanting learn to be a better sailor to help others, it was truly transformational."
Parent of Brendan Sailor, 2025
"Brendan is a wonderful place where all kids have the opportunity to gain sailing skills, make friends in an accepting environment & be positively nudged to grow."
Parent of Brendan Sailor, 2026
"Brendan Sailing is a place for your child to learn for the first time or learn more about not just sailing, but themselves. As parents, we all need to feel confident in those who take our children who learn differently and are able to meet them where they are and teach them in a way to take them somewhere new. "
Parent of Brendan Sailor, 2019
“Brendan Sailing changed the trajectory of my child’s life. The physical, mental and emotional challenges created a stronger young individual. He feels capable of finding a way to solve his issues. ‘Mom, if I can flip a Laser over and sail it, I can do that!’ I am forever grateful for the team at Brendan Sailing for giving my son this gift.”
Parent of Brendan Sailor, 2025
"Our son has had another incredible summer with Brendan Sailing Camp, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the experiences and growth he’s gained. As a returning camper, he always looks forward to camp because he knows it’s a safe, supportive space where he can learn, grow, and thrive in a way that truly meets his needs."
Parent of Brendan Sailor, 2025
"A great camp for unique learners. The counselors have patience and knowledge to help make sure your kid has a positive experience. My kid returns year after year and is able to push himself to do hard things and has a blast doing it."
Parent of Brendan Sailor, 2025
"This camp is more than a sailing program. It is a life-affirming, skill-building, soul-nourishing experience. I am deeply grateful for the compassion, training, and dedication the Brendan team brings. They don’t just teach sailing — they teach resilience, camaraderie, collaboration, teamwork, and self-belief in an environment where my daughter could be herself."
Parent of Brendan Sailor, 2026
"Great opportunity for campers to be hands on learning but having fun outdoors. Seeing the skills of returning campers was inspiring. This is a very unique experience unlike other camps for kids with learning differences or abilities."
Parent of Brendan Sailor, 2024
"The camp's emphasis on positive reinforcement and celebrating small victories had a profound impact on our son. He learned to overcome setbacks and celebrated each milestone, no matter how small. The experience taught him valuable life skills such as teamwork, perseverance, and the joy of trying new things."
Parent of Brendan Sailor, 2026
"Another summer camp that shows my daughter increasing her confidence and developing interest in becoming a leader to others."
Parent of Brendan Sailor, 2026
"Brendan Sailing Camp has been an incredible experience for our son. Each year, he returns home more confident, more independent, and excited to continue building his skills. As a parent, it's amazing to see him challenged, encouraged, and truly celebrated for who he is. We are so grateful for the friendships, mentors, and opportunities this camp has provided our family."
– Parent of Brendan Sailor, 2026
"My son had failed to find “his people” in middle school and came to Brendan Sailing’s Overnight Camp completely defeated. At pickup after six short days, he was beaming - excitedly introducing us to his new friends and taking us for a sail. He’d never sailed once before camp, yet took us through the final course with confidence! He’s returned for three summers and kept in consistent communication with the friends he made that first summer (and they’ve returned to camp as well)! The experience has been a defining part of his high school journey!"
Parent of Brendan Sailor, 2026
"Our kiddo has learned so much at Brendan Sailing - gaining confidence and independence on and off the water. She has one more year left and then wants to become a Brendan Sailing counselor!! If that's not a testament to the inclusive and fun community you create, I don't know what is!"
– Parent of Brendan Sailor, 2026
"Brendan Sailing has been life-changing for our son, and honestly, it’s hard to put into words just how much he has grown through his time there over the years. When he first started at 14, he was quiet, withdrawn, insecure, and felt very much on his own in the world. Seeing the young man he is today at 18, it's almost hard to believe he struggled so much. Now, he is confident, outgoing, and has a much greater sense of who he is and where he belongs. Brendan Sailing didn't just give him sailing skills. Instead, he found community, friendships, and a place where he was encouraged to come out of his shell and believe in himself. As parents, watching his transformation has been a phenomenal experience. We are incredibly grateful to everyone at Brendan Sailing who took the time to see our son, believe in him, and pour so much into him. :)"
