What Sailing Taught Me About Growth and Success

In August, I completed Level 2 of my sailing training for the Clipper Race, gaining more knowledge and experience on the water. Every training session introduces me to a new group of sailors, and together we tackle the challenges of hoisting a sail, helming, and adapting to the demands of the sea.
This latest training focused on the watch system (four hours on deck, four hours sleeping, 6 hours on deck, 6 hours sleeping, etc.) and night sailing. We were lucky enough to encounter strong winds, which provided a valuable lesson in seasickness and how to adapt--I learned that I need much stronger seasickness medication!  Despite the discomfort, I discovered a passion for helming. The responsibility of guiding the vessel, particularly during gybing maneuvers, tested me in an exhilarating and satisfying way.

Learning Together

Learning to sail, like leadership, is about progressive mastery.  Each training evolution builds on the previous one, tying skills together into a cohesive whole. This mirrors my work with coaching clients, especially when they are part of a training program where learning is a group effort. In both sailing and leadership development, individuals have strengths and areas for growth.  When we work as a team, we see these more clearly. Just as the other sailors and I rely on each other during maneuvers, my clients benefit from observing their peers during leadership training.
A growth mindset is key to both sailing and leadership. When starting a coaching session, I always tell the group or individual that as they learn and practice a new behavior or a new skill, they have full permission to fail. The goal is not about immediate perfection but instead about building awareness, testing new behaviors, and developing confidence—just like on the water.

The Power of Feedback

In both sailing and leadership, feedback is crucial.  My latest skipper, Cam, a 25-year-old with vast experience, did a great job of acknowledging my strengths while offering practical advice on improving my sailing skills. His recommendation to study evolutions in our training book was right on point, reinforcing the value of preparation and continuous learning.
Similarly, in leadership coaching, I’ve seen firsthand how coaching can drive significant transformation. One of my clients, the CEO of a financial firm, was amazed by the positive change in one of her senior officers after a coaching engagement. After working with her team, I recommended coaching for this individual. The CEO provided direct and truthful feedback, which prompted the officer to seek a coach from their homeland. The impact was remarkable. The officer became more fully participative, collaborative, and supportive of the CEO and the team. Gradual, progressive coaching and training can have tremendous results with committed clients who are eager to succeed but require guidance and support in their development.

Building Strength

In sailing, we begin with the basics. My Level 1 training focused on learning fundamental terms and techniques. I was assigned specific tasks, such as operating winches or handling lines.  By Level 2, these skills were woven into complete sailing evolutions, from hoisting sails to reefing, tacking, and gybing. I also learned to read the telltales, which provide visual cues about wind direction and sail trim. Physical and mental strength were critical, and my preparation through swimming and weight training helped me power through the challenges, even when seasickness hit me hard.
As I continue to train, I focus on maintaining and building both my physical abilities and my sailing knowledge.  Just as in sailing, leadership development requires consistent effort to stay sharp. I’ll be taking weekend sailing courses in the south of France this fall and next spring, keeping my skills fresh as I prepare for the ultimate challenge:  Leg I of the Clipper Race, a 32-day sailing adventure from Portsmouth, UK, to Uruguay next September.

Growth Never Stops

Just as sailing demands ongoing learning and practice, so does leadership. My consulting and coaching clients learn to self-observe and analyze the impact of their words, communication, presence, and effectiveness. Like sailors learning to read the wind, leaders must first understand the skills they need to improve. Once this awareness is established, real progress can begin.
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In coaching, I ask a lot of questions to help my clients reflect on their leadership style, just as I reflect on my helming techniques while at sea. Understanding what’s missing, what’s working, and what needs adjustment is key to progress. And just like in sailing, where each maneuver is part of a larger evolution, leadership development builds step by step, creating a foundation for success.

If you are interested in learning together in a training or continued growth for your leaders you can learn more about our services at our website at www.desormeauxconsutling.com or contact me directly [email protected].