In recognition of Black History Month, US Sailing sat down with Tristan Loescher, Adult Program Director at Columbia Sailing School in Chicago, to discuss his unconventional journey into sailing, the power of ‘stoke transfer,’ and his efforts to make the sport more accessible and inclusive for all.
Q: What first sparked your interest in sailing, and how did you become an instructor?
A: Growing up in Bermuda, you’re surrounded by water, and sailing was a natural part of my environment. I first had the opportunity to sail at a summer camp, and I loved it. I continued sailing for several years, but after going to boarding school, I drifted away from it for a time.
What brought me back was my passion for coaching. I had always been a coach in some form—whether it was swimming, snowboarding, mountain biking, or skateboarding. I loved what I call “Stoke Transfer”—the idea of passing on my enthusiasm for something I love to others. When Bermuda won the bid for the 2017 America’s Cup, I got involved with Endeavor, the event’s legacy sailing school. That’s when I started earning my sailing certifications and realized that coaching sailing was not only something I enjoyed but something I wanted to pursue as a career. I found it later in life, but it quickly became clear that it was where I needed and wanted to be.
Q: The Columbia Sailing School website describes it as a diverse and well-regarded program that teaches children and adults how to sail. How do you see sailing as a tool for community building in Chicago, particularly among underrepresented groups?
A: Sailing has an incredible way of bringing people together. At Columbia Sailing School, we serve a diverse community of sailors, including people from backgrounds that have traditionally been underrepresented in the sport. By providing accessible programs, scholarships, and community outreach initiatives, we’re working to break down barriers to entry.
One of the key aspects of our program is mentorship. Many of our students who begin sailing at the club enjoy their experience so much that they want to become coaches themselves. Our Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program provides a pathway for young sailors to develop their leadership skills and transition into paid coaching roles. This kind of internal growth is a testament to how sailing fosters long-term engagement and a sense of belonging.
Sailing builds confidence, fosters leadership, and creates lifelong connections—especially in a city like Chicago, where the lake is such an important part of the community’s identity. Our goal is to make sure that everyone, regardless of their background, has the chance to experience the benefits of sailing.
Q: What challenges have you faced as an instructor, and how have you overcome them?
A: One of the biggest challenges is changing the perception that sailing is an exclusive or inaccessible sport. Many people assume that you need to grow up around boats or come from a particular background to get involved, which simply isn’t the case. We actively work to change that perception by reaching out to communities, offering affordable programs and scholarships, and emphasizing that sailing is open to everyone.
Another challenge is ensuring that new sailors feel welcomed and supported. Representation matters, and we work hard to create an environment where people can see others like themselves thriving on the water. When sailors feel that they belong, they’re more likely to stay engaged in the sport. Retention is just as important as recruitment, so we focus on keeping students involved beyond their initial lessons.
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