Charleston, South Carolina – Spectrum Sailing, a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to maritime education for autistic adolescents, will host a free three-day sailing camp in Charleston this week.
Scott Herman launched Spectrum Sailing after failing to locate an inclusive sailing camp for his autistic kid. Today, it is the only national autism-specific sailing program, with free camps for 250 autistic youngsters across the country in 2025 alone.
Herman describes this initiative as more than simply a sailing camp; it is an opportunity to empower children with autism.
“Spectrum Sailing is about more than just sailing,” Herman told me. “We meet kids where they are, and we help them discover what they’re capable of.”
The program teaches participants basic sailing skills such as water safety guidelines, wind direction, boat parts, knots, and rigging in a setting customized to autistic adolescents.
Charleston has unique significance for Spectrum Sailing because it is the place where the organization was founded.
According to Spectrum Sailing, the non-profit has expanded to 12 locations throughout the country this year, continuing its aim of providing autistic youngsters with a secure and empowering environment in which to learn sailing.
“For me, sailing has been a lifelong sport. “The relationships and opportunities that sailing has brought into my life are limitless,” said Scott Herman, Spectrum Sailing’s founder and executive director. “These connections have helped make Spectrum Sailing a reality. It’s fantastic that I was able to share the sport of sailing with my son, and now I get to share it with youngsters all around the country.”
Spectrum Sailing provides free programming and remains the only national organization that provides autism-specific sailing camps.
The College of Charleston Sailing hosts the camp from October 3 to 5.
