SARASOTA YOUTH SAILING CENTER

Education embodies the process of nurturing potential and fostering discovery, underpinned by the belief in growth and prosperity for all. Today, there's heightened acknowledgment of the paramount importance of learning across various stages of life, from early childhood development to lifelong well-being, and its significance for the prosperity of both individuals and communities.

Beyond traditional institutions, the Sarasota Sailing Squadron endeavors to establish a distinct educational hub dedicated to perpetuating the timeless art of sailing within the Sarasota community and nurturing the next generation of sailors.

The SARASOTA YOUTH SAILING EDUCATION BUILDING is envisioned as a versatile facility catering to educational, communal, event, and administrative needs revolving around sailing. Serving as the headquarters for Sarasota Youth Sailing and its fleet, the building will offer a secure, enriching, and inclusive environment where both residents and visitors can partake in aquatic adventures.

Incorporating principles from the Sarasota School of Architecture and local architectural styles, the design of the new education building aims to not only support youth sailing activities but also embody the identity of the Squadron and its enduring connection with the community.

Designed to be engaging, interactive, and informative, the building will serve as a civic focal point, educating visitors about marine ecosystems, sailing traditions, and sustainability. Leveraging the sailboat's form and function, the building will be optimized to accommodate the Sarasota Youth Sailing program, catering to approximately 400 youths aged 5-18 during the summer and 75 year-round sailors. Additionally, it will support local high school sailing teams and adult sailing groups, such as the Sarasota Sailing Squadron and the Luffing Lassies, providing space for organization and boat storage.

Rooted in the Sailing Squadron's rich history as a cornerstone of Sarasota's cultural heritage, the project aims to honor the past, embrace the present, and invest in the future by creating a landmark symbolizing the enduring relationship between Sarasota and its aquatic surroundings. The building aspires to serve as a vessel for learning and outreach, as perfectly suited to its purpose as a sailboat is to sailing.

* PSDW and WOA were selected by the Design Jury Committee as a 2023 AIA FLORIDA Unbuilt Design Honor Award Winning Recipient. Due to a minor “clerical error” with the submission, AIA Florida has made the unfortunate decision to revoke our winning submission. Regardless, we are proud that our project was selected during the Jury process and is still a winning submission.