Yoga classes start at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron

Editor's note: Hurricane Helene may affect scheduling of these events for the near future.

Ksenia Maguire loves taking her sons to sailing camp at Sarasota Sailing Squadron. 

The gentle breeze always bounced off the bay while she watched them fall in love with sailing. As her children were welcomed into the sailing community, members also welcomed Maguire with open arms. She said that the connection to the water brought a sense of peace and bonding that was hard to find in busy Sarasota. 

The calming atmosphere and vibrant community of the Squadron reminded Maguire of the feeling she got when she taught yoga through her business, Magnolia Tree Yoga. This gave Maguire an idea.

Photo by Petra Rivera

“I have lived in Sarasota for seven years and never heard of it here,” said Maguire. “So, I was thankful when my friend introduced me to the Squadron. This is what I have been looking for to grow my classes at an outside location. My practice is all about being grounded, so this is the perfect place to encourage that through nature.”

The squadron’s General Manager, Eduardo Sylvestre, recently started looking for a yoga teacher after implementing yoga and tai chi classes at his previous sailing clubs. So when Maguire approached him, the unlikely pair was a unique fit. Maguire taught her first yoga class at 6:30 on Sept. 24 at the Sailing Squadron.

“The idea is to use this yoga class as a concentration,” said Sylvestre. “I want this to be a way to relax after practice. I thought it could also be a great thing for moms or women members to have more options here, but honestly, it has interested everyone. When I looked at who signed up for the first class, it was half men and half women.”

Maguire mixed her certifications in Korean and Kundalini yoga with elements of Tai Chi and Qi Gong to design classes that encourage ultimate relaxation and stress relief, perfect for the Bay. Her flowing movements include tap techniques, breathing exercises, meditation and stretching. She hopes that everyone can come to class however they are and leave restful, grounded and relaxed. 

Photo by Petra Rivera

Maguire started practicing yoga when she had her first child. After having intense post-partum depression, the only thing that helped her was attending the yoga studio next to her house in Boston. She said the exercises changed her brain chemistry, allowing more positive energy in her life. Also, the community she formed through the studio gave her a sense of support. 

She started Magnolia Tree Yoga after moving to Sarasota. Maguire started by doing mainly semi-private yoga sessions in the studio in her house. She said one of her big inspirations is the magnolia tree outside of her studio, which she named her business after. 

After a few bigger classes at local beaches, Maguire was ecstatic to see around 10 people attend her first class at the Squadron. Many of them said the location intrigued them, so they were happy to check it out.

Maguire is excited to continue teaching at the prime location by the Bay every Tuesday and grow the yoga community at the Squadron.

"The whole idea of bringing this here is to show that a sailing club is much more than just sailing," said Sylvestre. "Here, you can work your head, your mind and your body. Also, Ksenia's emphasis on community ties in perfectly to our mission here. She will be able to help a whole different set of people feel included here."