This past Saturday was one for the books, a magical collision of surf, sail, and pure joy at the 9Miles Project!

From the moment the Little Optimist sailors swapped sails for surfboards, we knew it was going to be a special day. With determination in their eyes and boards under their feet, these young adventurers were out to catch a hundred waves (and might’ve just done it!). Not to be outdone, seasoned surfers took a turn in the Little Optimist boats, proving that whether you ride waves or winds, the ocean is for everyone.

But it didn’t stop there. This wasn’t just an event. It was a celebration. Moms, dads, boys, girls, and even toddlers joined in for their own sailing experience. One excited participant summed it up best: “I’ve only seen boats like this in movies today, I’m showing it what I’ve got!”

The energy was immaculate. The Little Optimist team didn’t just bring boats; they brought the vibes! laughter echoing, Easter eggs in hand, and joy spilling over every wave. We were thrilled to share this experience with the amazing kids from The 9Miles Project. And guess what? Some of them picked up sailing so quickly that they started instructing others. Yes, future captains in the making!

What amazed us most? The sheer number of people, young and old, who were curious, brave, and eager to try sailing for the very first time. It reminded us why we do this.

Until next time, stay salty, stay optimistic, and keep riding life’s waves with heart.

None of this would be possible without the amazing grant funding from Olympism 365 and our wonderful sponsors – Two Oceans Marine, Italtile, Southern Wind and Ullman Sails.