From the shoreline, sailing may look effortless: boats gliding across the water, sails filled with wind, but that’s not all it is. Many people don’t see what happens behind the scenes before the boats leave the dock. Director of Sailing Marley Cusick and Head Instructor Melody Fernandez (’20) spend hours checking equipment, draining water from boats, repairing broken parts, and organizing lesson plans to match each sailor’s skill level. Their jobs require constant attention, from maintaining gear to studying and preparing what will be taught each day.
Neither of them expected sailing to become such a central part of their lives. Cusick first stepped into the sport because his brother had sailed, and it “looked cool.” Fernandez arrived after a friend persuaded her to try out for the Sacred Heart Academy sailing team, her senior year, when her soccer dreams did not work out. Over time, both found something much deeper than just the competition of it; they found a sense of freedom on the water and a connection to the ocean that kept them coming back. Those early experiences eventually shaped the way they teach today.
Now, their work is not only about keeping the boats afloat, but also about shaping young sailors as people. Lessons are carefully planned to match each student’s level, ambition, and eagerness to learn. On the water, Fernandez uses what she describes as a firm but nurturing coaching style, encouraging students to think independently while knowing support is always nearby. Cusick shares a similar goal: helping students build self-respect and confidence by facing the uncertainty of wind, waves, and changing conditions. For both Cusick and Fernandez, success is not measured in medals or race results. Instead, it is found in the quiet moments when students begin to rig their boats, make decisions on their own without hesitation, or approach challenges with pride in their efforts. Their proudest moments come when students begin to recognize their own growth, whether in sailing or beyond the water. In these moments, the behind-the-scenes work begins to be visible, revealing that sailing is not only learning to control a boat but also about learning to trust oneself.
