SEA Stories #1: Eva Mann
Eva Mann is a stay-at-home mom who loves to volunteer and be in her three kids’ lives. Before she was a mom, she was an adventurous person. She used to work in high tech and travel the world, but her life took a turn when she adopted triplets from Vietnam. With the triplets, she channeled her passion into family sailing.
Before knowing about SEA, she worked with similar nonprofits learning how to sail, beginning in graduate school. After sailing for many years, she decided to introduce sailing to her kids. “I’m a big fan of teaching kids to sail, especially nonprofits which make sailing accessible.”
Eva’s love of sailing started long before SEA. Having been part of several nonprofits that taught sailing, she developed technical skills and an enduring love for the open water. These experiences stayed with her even as she shifted focus to raising her children.
Eva was introduced to SEA by a friend. Eva realized that “SEA would be a great program” for her sons especially since they loved playing any type of water games. She started off by telling them of “all the adventures I encountered while sailing” and telling them that “You can have an opportunity to sail yourself.”
From the moment they set sail, they were hooked. “It was history from there.” She watched as their fascination with the ocean grew into a love for sailing, strengthened by the camaraderie and confidence the program fostered. After graduating from SEA their sailing journey continued with a racing program.
Eva might not have been the one sailing but she enjoyed her kids' joys. SEA impacted her life because she could share in their experiences and appreciate how it’s something she enjoyed too. “Sailing isn’t easy for the average person,” Eva notes, “but programs like SEA make it accessible to kids and families without requiring a fortune.”
She firmly believes SEA is more than an extracurricular activity—it’s a gateway to personal growth and meaningful family experiences. Eva’s story is a testament to how SEA enriches lives by merging adventure with education.
She encourages anyone, whether seasoned sailors or complete novices, to consider joining the program. “The memories you gain with your family are the best part,” she says. For Eva, SEA is more than just an organization; it’s a bridge between her adventurous past and her children’s bright future—a journey shared, cherished, and continued.
