Teaching STEM Through Sailing

Innovative DF95 program earns national honors and international interest.

US Sailing has named Sam Gervais and the Lowcountry Maritime School (LMS) the 2025 Award Winner for Creative Innovations in Community Sailing Programming, recognizing the school’s DF95 Middle School Radio-Controlled Model Sailboat STEM Program. With the initial idea from Bob Johnstone, the program was developed by Sam Gervais, along with Brandon Clark, LMS Director of Development and Educator, who has led many of the school level programs and has helped take this program from idea to reality. The award highlights a hands-on approach that introduces students to sailing through real-world STEM learning and boat ownership.

The program gained national attention after Gervais presented it at US Sailing’s Leadership Forum in San Diego, then quickly expanded internationally. In Australia, DF Classes International Chairman Phil Burgess replicated the LMS model in six schools, generating strong engagement from science teachers and prompting Australian Sailing to explore a potential national rollout. To date, 150 students have built and sailed their own DF95 boats, gaining technical skills, confidence, and a pathway into the lifelong sport of sailing.

The program is fully replicable nationwide. Its project-based curriculum aligns with state standards and teaches students the science and math behind sailing, weather, aerodynamics, electronics, and maritime history. Students are offered leadership opportunities as well as the chance to earn college credits. There is also the chance to develop other soft skills such as patience, determination, decision-making, teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship. Each school forms its own sailing club and elects officers who arrange regattas and assist teachers the following semester, thus acquiring mastery and self-confidence. 

The plan for 2025-26 is a school year-length program, rather than semester length. Class fees are set at sustainable costs, as these don’t exceed those of other varsity sports and can cover the material cost of boat kits. Schools are instead asked to contribute to LMS for logistical support, regional administrative expenses, and the initial semester of LMS in-class teacher training. 

The DF95 program offers a scalable model with the potential to grow participation in sailing nationwide. Learn more at lowcountrymaritimeschool.org.

Photos by Brandon Clark.