Sail Park City hosts national Autism sailing camp on Jordanelle

Sail Park City set to host national sailors with Autism on the Jordanelle Reservoir. Photo: courtesy Sail PC

CHARLESTON, S. Carolina – Spectrum Sailing, the only national autism sailing camp and a nonprofit organization that provides maritime education, programming, and outreach for autistic individuals, has launched a free summer Camp in Park City, July 11-13, hosted by Sail Park City.

It’s a stop on a tour of eight camps nationally this summer, which will provide 160 autistic sailors a chance to experience the oft life-changing opportunity and joy of sailing.

Summer is the ideal time for individuals on the autism spectrum to get outside, explore, try new activities, and socialize with peers. Sailing is our platform to impact the physical and mental health of our participants positively.

According to the CDC, one in 44 children in America has been diagnosed with Autism.

Spectrum Sailing was born out of necessity after Founder Scott Herman faced challenges enrolling his autistic son in summer camp. After encountering this gap for children with autism,

Herman, a lifelong sailor, started his own camp. Herman built the only Autism Sailing Camp in South Carolina. 

“Sailing has been a lifelong sport for me. The relationships and opportunities sailing has brought to my life are endless,” says Herman in a statement, whose son is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. “Those relationships have helped make Spectrum Sailing a reality. It is amazing I was able to share the sport of sailing with my son, but now I get to share it with kids across the country.”

The three-day program covers general sailing knowledge with professional instructors, including lessons on:
• Water safety rules
• Wind direction and points of sail
• Boat parts
• On-the-water conditions
• Knots and rigging/de-rigging