US Sailing Accredited • Since 1983
Where Kids Learn to Sail
— and So Much More
Building Respect, Responsibility & Resilience on the water. Youth sailing programs for ages 5–18 on the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers, Florida.
Our Three Pillars
Every experience at Edison Sailing Center is built on these core values
Respect
At Edison Sailing Center, respect begins with the water itself. Sailors learn to respect the power of wind and weather, the importance of environmental stewardship, and the shared responsibility of being part of a waterfront community. Through our fleets of Optimists, ILCAs, and C420s, as well as our youth powerboat instruction (ages 10 and up), students are taught to respect their instructors, teammates, equipment, and each other. This foundation fosters kindness, sportsmanship, and an appreciation for the natural world.
Responsibility
Responsibility is at the core of every Edison program. Each participant is assigned a boat and is responsible for rigging, sailing, and unrigging it—learning firsthand the importance of preparation, safety, and accountability. Because the boats are often bigger than the sailors, teamwork and collaboration are essential skills. With guidance from U.S. Sailing-certified instructors operating safety powerboats, sailors learn to make smart decisions, follow safety procedures, and take ownership of their actions on the water. Our recommended entry point is our summer program, which offers week-long sessions focused on fun, safety, and the basics of sailing. Sailors who wish to continue may enroll in the School Year Program, a semester-long series that builds sailing proficiency while reinforcing responsibility through consistency, commitment, and care for equipment and peers.
Resilience
Sailing naturally teaches resilience. As sailors progress into intermediate and advanced classes, they learn to adapt to changing conditions, solve problems in real time, and persevere through challenges. One of the most important lessons we emphasize is independence—the ability to think situations through and respond confidently. Each success, capsize recovery, and learning moment helps build self-confidence and grit.
Our Programs
Something for every age and skill level
Youth Sailing
From Minnows to High School racing — a progressive pathway on the water.
Summer Programs
Week-long sessions of sailing, fun, and adventure all summer long.
Homeschool Program
Education powered by wind, water, and wonder on the Caloosahatchee.
Powerboat Safety
Earn your Florida Boating Safety ID Card with FWC-certified instruction.
Adult Programs
Learn to sail or improve your skills with Captain Tim and our certified instructors.
See Us in Action
River Romp Regatta 2026
Join us for Edison Sailing Center's signature annual regatta on the Caloosahatchee River. Young sailors from across the region compete in this US Sailing Junior Olympic event.
Don't Miss It
Spots are limited and competitive divisions fill quickly.
What Parents Say
“Our son's experience at the Edison Sailing Center has been outstanding. He's gained real confidence and skill on the water, along with important lessons in leadership, responsibility, and teamwork. What makes ESC so special is its people — from the very beginning, the staff and volunteers have treated our son like family.”
Mara Brown
Parent — Opti Sailor
“ESC has been a pivotal turning point in my children's education we didn't know we needed. Learning to sail was just the beginning! They've also learned about weather patterns, eco conservation, problem solving, patience, and resilience. Thank you to the dedicated instructors for creating a fun learning environment that goes beyond a four-wall classroom!”
Beth Zimmerman
Parent — Homeschool Program
“The Power Boating course gave our son a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience. It gave us as parents the confidence to allow him to pursue his passion of boating and fishing on our local waters. I highly recommend the course!”
Christy Boudreaux
Parent — Powerboat Safety Program
Accredited & Affiliated
Give a child the opportunity to discover confidence on the water
Your support helps provide sailing instruction, equipment, and financial assistance to young people in Southwest Florida.