The Sailing Pavilion exists to provide all members of the MIT community – of any age, status, prior experience, and ability – with opportunities to sail and improve their nautical skills. Sailing is a sport at which MIT people excel; as mentally as it is physically demanding, sailing promotes not only physical fitness but also precision of mind, and teaches leadership, teamwork, responsibility and perseverance. The large mental component of sailing allows enthusiasts of all ages to learn and compete together: The MIT Sailing Pavilion is a rare environment where undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, alumni, and family mingle on an equal and friendly footing. The Pavilion accomplishes its mission through classes, programs, and the MIT Nautical Association, the largest recreational club on campus.