Growing Sunfish Class – It takes a village

Every one design class has an identity, or should. Dan Smith and Emily Wagner share a discussion on the topic which was held among Sunfish Class members at the 2025 US Masters at Lake Norman in North Carolina:

The strength of the Sunfish Class has always been its people – the friendliness, the inclusiveness, and the simple joy of sailing together. To grow the class in the U.S. and beyond, we need to refocus on what makes it special: accessible, local, family-oriented sailing that welcomes everyone, from newcomers to long-time racers.

Growth begins at the grassroots level with small, local events that emphasize participation over results. Fleets should focus on being inviting and easy to find – building awareness, availability, and locatability in their regions.

Events don’t need to be free; programs can hire coaches or run Adult Learn-to-Sail, Learn-to-Race, and Skill Clinics to keep things fun and educational. A drill/training focus, rather than a pure race focus, can improve skills for all levels and ensure events always happen regardless of turnout or weather.

Reconnecting with youth sailors is also key. We should speak frankly with junior sailors about their sailing goals – not everyone is headed to the Olympics – and guide them toward boats that are fun, social, and rewarding, like the Sunfish.

Emphasizing family sailing and allowing double-handed fun racing can make the class more appealing to younger sailors. Likewise, post-college sailors represent a valuable group that can be re-engaged through team racing, clinics, and regional challenges.

Finally, we can leverage well-known sailors and positive role models within the class to raise visibility, and we should never lose sight of the sailors in the back of the fleet — ensuring they’re learning, improving, and having fun. With the right mix of community spirit, consistency, and creativity, we can reignite the grassroots energy that has always made the Sunfish Class so special.

The challenge isn’t ideas – it’s action. Let’s not let diffusion or cost concerns hold us back. The key is to start small, start local, and start together.

Editor’s note: For a regatta report that speaks about the Sunfish community, click here.