SailFast Sailor of the Month - Thomas Kiesel

SailFast Sailor of the Month - Thomas Kiesel

Thomas is an avid sailor from Ocean County NJ, whose journey into sailing started when he was finishing up his Chemo-Therapy. He is 14 years old and is a Non-Hodgkin’s Peripheral t-cell survivor.

T’s parents don’t sail, but when Thomas saw kids his own age sailing by themselves in opti’s, he asked them if he could try it. His parents researched it and said yes. Then they bought an opti off eBay and signed Thomas up for the junior sailing program at Island Heights Yacht Club. T and his family never looked back. Soon the joined the club and local sailors couldn’t believe how quickly Thomas was picking up the sport.

In addition to racing opti’s, T was soon invited to crew for “Buzz” Reynolds on an E-Scow and then also started crewing on several A-cats.

Off the water, Thomas is a straight-A student and he also likes to do other things like surfing, skateboarding and playing video games. But he seems to be most at home on the water and has said he’d like to attend the Marine Academy of Technology and Science (M.A.T.E.S.) – an advanced academy that also places emphasis on giving back to Barnegat Bay and its wildlife.

Giving back seems to be an emerging theme with this young sailor as he was one of the biggest fundraisers at his local Leukemia Cup Regatta last year and dedicated his race to his Grandmother who he lost to cancer.

Life works in interesting ways and T has already seen and experienced more than most of us. Only an eighth grader, he is already being asked to speak at charity events. He’s also quick with advice for other kids and adults battling cancer. A local police officer that was battling leukemia said Thomas would give him bits of advice ranging from what to eat and what anti nausea work best, to how to keep up a good attitude. This officer proudly says T was an inspiration to him and when he had bad days he would think, “If Thomas could do it, I can.”

Thomas’ ultimate goal is to head off to Annapolis and attend the U.S. Naval Academy. He’d also like to sail for them. When we asked his father about this, his reply was simply, “You know what? He just might do it.” We agree!


editor's note: we understand Thomas never takes off his SailFast wristband. Yet another to love this kid!