The National Sailing Academy (NSA) proudly celebrated the end of its 2024–2025 sailing year with a heartwarming graduation ceremony held last week, at the historic St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Falmouth. The event brought together students, families, teachers, and supporters to honor the accomplishments, growth, and resilience of the Academy’s dedicated young sailors.
This year, 338 students were registered across NSA’s wide-ranging programs—including the Primary School Sailing Program, Secondary School Program, Saturday Sailing, and the inclusive Sailability Program. Of those, 100 students received certificates at graduation including Basic skills, RYA Stage 1, 2 and 3, during the ceremony, marking an important milestone in their sailing journeys.
The evening’s program was filled with moments of pride and celebration as instructors came forward to present certificates to students from their respective Primary schools & Secondary schools, Saturday Sailing and the Sailability Program, each group representing a key part of NSA’s diverse and inclusive sailing community.
A special highlight was the recognition of Top Sailors, acknowledging students who demonstrated exceptional skill, progress, and sportsmanship throughout the year. Special recognition was given to Cobbs Cross Primary School, where all six participating students received their RYA Stage 1 certification and a special token for their outstanding achievement as Top Sailors.
The National Sailing Academy also took a moment to recognize the dedicated teachers who accompany their students each sailing day: Ms. Archibald of Five Islands Primary was recognised for her role in bringing the biggest group to the NSA consistently, 27 students per week, Ms. Davis of Golden Grove Primary for being the longest serving teacher accompanying her students, since 2010, and Mr. Joseph of Green Bay Primary for consistently showing up with his students.
Inspirational speeches were delivered by Senior Instructor Ta’janica Thomas, Sailiability Volunteer & Sailor Ronald Greenaway & parent Gameal Joyce.
In addressing her students Ta’janica said, “It has been an honor to witness your journey—navigating wind, waves, and self-doubt to become resilient, team-minded, and self-assured individuals. Sailing has taught you lessons far beyond the water: patience, humility, trust, and the courage to adjust your sails when life changes course.”
A powerful address by Greenaway emphasized that sailing is not merely an extracurricular activity, but a sport, a career, and a lifelong passion. He sent out a call to everyone to come and be part of the programme in whatever way they are able, with their presence, skill or of course with money and emphasised the inclusiveness of the NSA. “Sailing is for everyone,” he shared, “no matter who you are or where you come from.” He lead the crowd in a rousing A-Z showcasing all of the personalities and people who can sail, ‘From Ambitious, to Able he lead us through the alphabet ending with Youthful and Zestful’.
Gameal Joyce, parent of one of the students, delivered a heartfelt speech on the value of sailing as a tool for opportunity and transformation. He emphasized how sailing can open doors to meaningful careers, even for those starting with limited means: “Even a cleaner on a boat can earn more than someone in a presumed high-ranking position. Sailing is not just for children in this area—it’s for everyone. Parents, get your children involved, keep pushing them, and support them to continue.” He went on to express his pride in witnessing such a diverse group of graduates, “Sitting and watching this graduation filled me with joy. As someone from the area, it’s truly rewarding to see students from all across the island being part of this program—not just those from around here.”
Another highlight of the evening was a heartfelt family reflection by the Flynn family, who shared their journey of learning, growth, and bonding through sailing. What began as a simple weekend activity soon became a transformative experience for them all: “Sailing has not just been an activity—it’s been a learning experience and a time for us to come together as a family. Our son, who was once afraid of the water, is now confidently sailing in a boat.”
They expressed deep gratitude to the National Sailing Academy and its instructors for the positive impact sailing has had on their lives.
Adding a musical touch to the night, Anayah Flynn, a student at Irene B. Williams Secondary School and a regular participant in Saturday Sailing, delivered a captivating steel pan performance, her first solo. A lively intermission followed with a delightful dance performance by students of Five Islands Primary School.
The National Sailing Academy extends its deepest gratitude to all who contributed to making the 2024–2025 school year a success. We look forward to an even more exciting 2025–2026 sailing year.
Summer Sailing Camp is now taking place until August 1st. To register your child, please call +1 (268) 562-8060 or WhatsApp us at +1 (268) 736-1345.