Whether you’re just learning to sail or are an experienced sailor honing your skills, an inspiring and supportive sailing school instructor can make all the difference. One such instructor is Cameron Costello, who currently serves as the Director of Programs and Waterfront Operations at DC Sail.
Traci Mead, executive director of DC Sail, introduced us to Cam, saying “Cam is on the front lines of our operations, continuously coaching and encouraging our sailors (youth and adults) to explore all aspects of the sport through dedicated on-the-water time, additional training, and exploration of a variety of boats and skill sets. He has a remarkable way of putting new and experienced sailors at ease as he teaches on-water skills and safety.”
Here Cam shares some thoughts on his role at DC Sail, his thoughts regaring sail instruction, and advice for adults interested in learning to sail.
Where and when did you start sailing?
Cameron: I was born and raised on Cape Cod. My first sailing lessons were in the Falmouth Recreation Center’s learn-to-sail program. By the time I got to high school, I was racing competitively in C420s and traveled the East Coast on the national circuit. Though my college didn’t have a sailing team, during the summers I returned home and taught at Falmouth Harbor Sailing School, where I’d taken lessons as a kid and where I’d learned to love both the relaxing and competitive sides of sailing.
How does teaching adults differ from teaching kids?
Kids tend to be more malleable than adults and are less likely to lose patience with the repetitive practice needed to ingrain skills to the point that they’ll be automatic in real-time, when lots of things (waves, other boats, wind shifts) can happen simultaneously. The best part of teaching kids is seeing that confidence-boosting moment when it ‘clicks,’ and the child realizes that they can sail on their own. It’s one of the reasons why I love teaching young sailors.
On the other hand, teaching adults offers the opportunity to dive into the more complicated aspects of sailing, such as physics. Adults retain and recall knowledge more quickly than kids, but we still need to take the time to build foundational skills.
Now you’re supervising sailing instructors. What’s that like?
At DC Sail we have a set curriculum, which is very helpful. We hold instructor training sessions at the start of every season during which new instructors shadow an experienced instructor. I encourage them to shadow four different instructors because every teacher brings their own style and life experiences, which they channel through the curriculum. That insertion of ‘self’ helps instructors thrive and have agency in their teaching.
What is your advice to adults interested in learning to sail?
Go for it! You can pick up sailing at any age. There are sailboat designs that are accessible to individuals of all skill levels. However, the sooner you get started, the longer you’ll have to enjoy it and the more time you will have to improve.
If you’re timid about starting by yourself, find a buddy. The social aspect of sailing is important for most people. One reason why DC Sail puts four students in each boat and keeps them together for the entire course is to start the socialization that is an important aspect of our community.
Name one DC Sail offering that you are excited about this season.
This summer we will offer a new intermediate FJ course to build on the introductory classes. The aim is to solidify skills and confidence in new sailors before they move into our Thursday night racing program and to give green racers an opportunity to get extra coaching and improve their skills.
You sailed recently in Hawaii? Tell us about that!
After earning a degree in music education at Ithaca College in 2020, I lived on the island of Oahu where I worked as a volunteer farmer and sailed for a race team based out of Hawaii Yacht Club. In February, I was back in Hawaii for a vacation and was fortunate to crew for a few races with friends aboard a Farr 38 competing in the club’s Friday night series, as well as one longer race, too.
What are a couple of your personal sailing goals?
One day I would like to live on the water, either on a houseboat or sailboat. I love the adventure element of sailing; an ocean crossing appeals to me.
What are your hobbies outside of sailing?
If I’m not on the water, I’m likely biking. I ride 10 miles round trip to and from work and enjoy riding on the area’s trails, too. I love board games and card games of all types; during the past year I’ve improved my contract bridge skills by joining a couple of bridge clubs. I also love to cook (I’ve been vegan for 10 years) and enjoy trying new recipes and exploring the DC restaurant scene.
