Our Mission & Values
Building character through sailing since 1983
Located on the Caloosahatchee River in downtown Fort Myers, Florida, Edison Sailing Center introduces children to the fundamentals of sailing in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. Through hands-on learning on the water, we intentionally teach more than sailing skills—we help young people develop Respect, Responsibility, and Resilience, values that guide them both on and off the water.
The Three Pillars
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.