“I started this journey not knowing anything about sailing and walked away with the best possible platform one could ask for. I didn’t just learn to sail, navigate and be a crew member, I also learnt to slow down and enjoy the moment. Which is something I haven’t felt for many many years.”
Why Getting on The Water Matters
When people talk about sailing, the conversation often revolves around technical skills, adventure, or the thrill of mastering the wind and waves. But for many, the real benefit of sailing lies somewhere else: the impact it can have on mental health. Whether you’re racing, cruising socially, or learning as part of a crew, there’s something about being on the water that brings a sense of calm, connection, and renewal.
A recent participant in our RYA Competent Crew and RYA Day Skipper courses shared a story that captures the mental health benefits of sailing. After decades of working in high-stress environments, from military service to law enforcement, they found themselves experiencing PTSD and anxiety. Here’s what they had to say about their experience:
“For the first time in many years, I had absolutely no anxiety… This is due to being back on the water, the crew supporting me and Roni’s [Southern Cross Yachting Instructor] professionalism and compassion for others. This would never have happened if I didn’t feel confident and safe.”
The water has a unique way of helping us reset and breathe. And for many people, sailing is a chance to find some peace away from the noise of everyday life.
One of the most powerful things about sailing is how it brings people together. Our participant was open about their concerns before the course—going on a yacht with a group of strangers was a big leap for them. But what they experienced on board was a level of support and kindness they didn’t expect:
“I told Roni and the crew the issues I was having. Instead of making me feel totally useless and incompetent, Roni and the crew worked with me. This meant more to me that you could ever imagine”.
This kind of team spirit is often what sets sailing apart. It’s not just about getting the job done—it’s about looking out for each other, lending a hand when needed, and creating a space where everyone feels they belong, no matter what.
These days, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush of everything—work, family, commitments. The hustle of modern life rarely allows us to pause, breathe, and enjoy the moment. Sailing, however, demands it. As our participant beautifully put it:
“I started this journey not knowing anything about sailing and walked away with the best possible platform one could ask for. I didn’t just learn to sail, navigate and be a crew member, I also learnt to slow down and enjoy the moment. Which is something I haven’t felt for many many years.”
The act of sailing forces you to live in the present. You can’t rush the wind, and you can’t ignore the tide.
Ready to Experience the Mental Health Benefits of Sailing?
Sailing isn’t just about learning a skill—it’s about finding moments of calm and connection in a world that often feels too fast and too busy.
If you’re ready to experience it for yourself, whether it’s with a Competent Crew course or working toward your Day Skipper, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Come find calm on the water!