David Coates isn’t your average teenager. While most kids were playing video games or soccer at seven, David was already out on the water learning how to sail. That early start kicked off a journey that’s taken him into serious competitions and through some pretty intense moments.
“I started sailing when I was seven-years-old,” he said.
Sailors have to learn how to read the wind, adjust sails, steer, and make quick decisions, all the while competing against others doing the same. David’s done it well—he’s made it to district championships four times: twice in team racing, where communication and teamwork matter most, and twice in fleet racing, where it’s every sailor for himself.
Along the way, he’s earned both academic and athletic awards. But not every day on the water goes smoothly. One of his scariest memories happened in Fort Lauderdale right before a tropical storm.
“I went sailing right before a tropical storm hit,” David said. “A 10-foot wave flipped my boat and broke some of it. Luckily, my coach was there to help me get back to shore.”
Flipping or “capsizing,” is common in sailing, especially in rough weather. But a wave that size is no joke. Still, David didn’t let the experience scare him. He knows sailing can be tough, especially on long days out at sea.
“You get really dehydrated out there,” he said. “If you don’t drink enough, your brain stops working right. You can’t think clearly or make good choices during a race.”
Mental strength is a big part of the sport. Sailors are constantly adjusting to changing wind and water conditions, often with little time to react. But for David, sailing is also a way to relax.
“Being on the water makes me feel calm,” he said. “It’s quiet, peaceful. You kind of leave the busy world behind.”
Sailing has even taught him more about himself.
“I learned that I’m an anxious person and I overthink a lot,” he said.
“But sailing taught me how to stay calm when things get intense, like at the World Championship.”
Right now, David’s training for some big events: the North American Championship, the Open World Championship, and the ISAF World Championship—one of the biggest international sailing competitions out there. His goal is to finish in the top 10 and hopefully bring home a medal in each one. Long term, he’s aiming for the biggest stage of all.
“I want to go to the Olympics and medal there,” he said.
For anyone thinking about getting into sailing, David keeps it real.
“It takes a lot of time and commitment. You’ve got to be ready to give up a lot if you really want to do it.”
