Matt Cassidy, the Oracle Team USA sailor, told Whitney Institute students to put hard work into following their dreams.

“We know on our team that the harder we work now, in preparing for the racing next year, the more fun we will have when the races start,” he said.

Cassidy was at the Bermuda middle school on Monday morning as part of Oracle Team USA’s community outreach in support of the America’s Cup Endeavour programme.

More than 100 Whitney Institute students have been through the America’s Cup Endeavour programme over the past year, learning STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, maths) curriculum topics through the sport of sailing, as well as independence, teamwork, self-reliance and other life skills.

On Monday, an area of common ground was a love of capsizing. Several Whitney students mentioned it as one of their favourite parts of the America’s Cup Endeavour experience.

“I have to admit, I loved that part when I was learning to sail too,” Cassidy, who grew up sailing in Florida, told them.

“But soon, sailing became the sport that I loved, that I was good at, and that I poured my passion into, so that I learned more and more and became better. Eventually, that’s what led me here to the America’s Cup with Oracle Team USA.”