Bermudian Tristan Loescher has been featured on the US Sailing website in recognition of Black History Month.

Loescher, who is now the Adult Programme Director at Columbia Sailing School in Chicago, talks at length in the article about the start of his sailing journey in Bermuda and his efforts to make the sport accessible and inclusive for all.

"Growing up in Bermuda, you’re surrounded by water, and sailing was a natural part of my environment,” he said.

“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 realised 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.”

Loescher also talks about the importance of representation and overcoming perceptions as he pursued his career as an instructor.

“One of the biggest challenges is changing the perception that sailing is an exclusive or inaccessible sport,” he said.

“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 programmes and scholarships, and emphasising 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.

“Sailing should be for everyone. Historically, access to the sport has been limited by economic and social barriers, but efforts are being made to change that. The more diverse the sailing community becomes, the richer and stronger it will be.”

Having found his niche, Loescher is passing on his knowledge to all levels of abilities and enjoys increasing the confidence levels of new recruits to the sport.

There have been so many rewarding moments as an instructor, but one that stands out was seeing an adult student go from being hesitant about stepping on a boat to confidently racing in the Chicago Beercan Series,“ he said.

“This person had always been drawn to sailing but never thought it was something they could do. Through our programme, they not only learnt the technical skills but also built a community of friends who supported them every step of the way. Watching that transformation; seeing someone gain confidence and embrace a new passion, is why I do what I do.”