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Did you know your child can learn to sail or row this summer, without owning a boat or having any prior experience?
Right here in Northeast Ohio, there’s a place where kids can get on the water, build confidence, and learn lifelong skills in a safe, supportive environment.
That place is The Cleveland Foundry Community Rowing and Sailing Center.
The Foundry is Cleveland’s community rowing and sailing center, a local nonprofit serving Greater Cleveland youth since 2017. Located in the Flats on Columbus Road along the Cuyahoga River, with sailing operations at the Historic Coast Guard Station off Wendy Park, The Foundry is on a mission to make these sports accessible to every kid, regardless of background or experience level.
And this year, they’re expanding even further with the opening of the brand-new Patrick S. Parker Community Sailing Center, bringing unprecedented public access to
sailing on Lake Erie to all of Northeast Ohio.
You may think that getting on the water requires owning a boat or belonging to a private club. For families who aren’t already comfortable around water, it can feel even further out of reach. In reality, programs like those at The Foundry are designed to be accessible, beginner-friendly, and welcoming to kids of all backgrounds and skill levels, pairing the excitement of rowing and sailing with hands-on STEM education that connects students to science, the environment, and future career opportunities.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
In 2025 alone, The Foundry engaged 521 students in on-water programming, reaching youth from 98 different schools, 78 cities, and 63 zip codes across Northeast Ohio.
Summer Programs for Every Age and Skill Level
Whether your child is brand new to the water or a high schooler ready to build advanced skills, The Foundry has a program designed for them. Kids gain confidence, learn teamwork, and spend their days active and outdoors guided by experienced instructors in a safe, supportive environment.
Explore Sailing Camps for rising 3rd through 8th graders, running Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM out of the Historic Coast Guard Station. Campers learn to sail at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels under the guidance of certified US Sailing coaches, with a strong focus on safety, skill-building, and fun.
Sailing Clinics for rising 9th–12th graders on July 10th run out of the Historic Coast Guard Station. Students sail in two-person E420 boats, the same boats used in high school interscholastic racing, while learning essentials like points of sail, boat parts, steering with a tiller, sail trim, and more.
On the rowing side, The Foundry’s recreational rowing programs give young athletes the opportunity to get out on the Cuyahoga
River, build fitness, and discover the sport in a welcoming, no-pressure environment.
For students who face financial barriers, Row. Sail. Dream. provides introductory programming for 6th through 12th graders from public school districts across the county, combining water sports with STEM education and real exposure to scholarship and career opportunities.
Sign Up Today
Summer spots fill quickly and programs are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit clevelandfoundry.org/summer-programs to explore available options and register your child.
Give them a summer they’ll never forget, building confidence, friendships, and skills that last far beyond the water.
Financial assistance is available for qualifying families.