The USA’s National Autism Sailing Program

Spectrum Sailing was born out of necessity. When Founder and Executive Director, Scott Herman, searched for a sailing camp that would accept his autistic son, no one would take him. Wanting to change this, Scott created one himself. In 2018, he launched the first Autism Sailing Camp in Charleston, South Carolina. The local program proved its impact, and interest from the community grew quickly. With that success came a bigger vision: to ensure autistic kids across the country could have the same opportunity.

Today, Spectrum Sailing has grown exponentially and stands as the only national autism sailing program in the United States. It is not a traditional sailing camp that accommodates autism—although it is designed to feel much like a traditional sailing school—Spectrum Sailing is an autism-centered organization that uses sailing to build lifelong skills and well-being. It is not a ride-along sailing program. Kids learn about weather, knot tying, and sail trim. They learn to steer, and by the end of day three, many are docking the boats.

Thanks to the generosity of the autism and sailing communities, and supporters nationwide, the organization offers a variety of 3-day camps in many locations across the United States. There is never a cost to the sailors. These kids just need a chance, and Spectrum Sailing is proud to help create that opportunity!

Since its inception, Spectrum Sailing has held more than 45 camps in 14 locations. More than 1,000 sailors have attended a Spectrum Sailing Camp. The organization continues to innovate. In the Fall of 2025, it launched its first “Next Tack” program in Sarasota, FL. In that program, teams of neurotypical high school sailors teamed up 1:1 with a Spectrum Sailor for 8 weeks of race training in the 420. At the end of the program, the teams had jelled. Their skills had improved dramatically. It was an experience that none involved will ever forget.