Your “Sign” to Learn Sailing
Community
Jul 26, 2025
Feeling the boat. Reading the sails. Staying in tune with the rhythm of the wind.
Captain Paul Sullivan recently had the honor of teaching two incredible deaf sailors. He walked away learning just as much as he taught.
Captain Paul of First Reef Sailing recently taught ASA 101 with two awesome hearing-challenged sailors.
"Their connection to the boat, the water and each other was inspiring. Without relying on sound, they tuned into subtle cues: the feel of the wind, the pressure on the helm, and the shape of the sails. Every tack, gybe and feathered-upwind course was a masterclass in awareness."
The wind doesn’t care what language you speak.
Captain Paul had his students practice mooring drills but with a twist: using sign language to communicate from bow to helm. No shouting. No guesswork. Just clear, calm signals and smooth teamwork.
They also circumnavigated Spectacle Island, shared a lot of laughs and found an easy rhythm as a crew. Communication was clear, focused and full of trust. It was a great reminder that sailing doesn’t depend on words, just teamwork and presence.
"Sailing is always about connection — to the boat, the crew, and the moment. And this crew nailed it."
