NHBM program invites community to set sail

WOLFEBORO — Registration is now open for Community Sailing, a program for adults and youth developed by New Hampshire Boat Museum and the Town of Wolfeboro’s Parks and Recreation Department. Designed to teach basic sailing to youth and/or adults, Community Sailing classes take place on Albee Beach on Lake Wentworth and out on Lake Winnipesaukee.

According to Kerry Lynch, NHBM board trustee and chair of the museum’s community sailing programs, Community Sailing equips people of all ages for fresh water or offshore sailing.

“Our program is designed first and foremost to be safe and, secondly, for fun,” he said. “It’s unique because it offers something for everyone — from a total beginner to an experienced sailor looking to hone their skills.”

Individuals may learn in a variety of boats, as they range from 9-foot Optimist Sailing dinghies and Sunfish to 15-foot racing sloops and a 22-foot keelboat. Over the course of 21 years, NHBM has taught more than 2,000 youth and adults about sailing.

This summer, NHBM will also offer Sport Sailing, a program designed for ages 14 to 70 and over with some sailing experience who would like to "up their game." “The course will use Sunfish and racing sloops with some amount of competition,” Lynch added.

Aside from the diverse experiences it offers sailors, NHBM executive director Martha Cummings said Community Sailing is further distinguished by the quality of its instruction. “Our instructors are U.S. Sailing Certified Level 1 Instructors, so program participants are getting the absolute best guidance possible,” she said.

Lynch agreed and added, “Summer camp style boating programs generally don’t have this level of instruction, so our Community Sailing provides a top notch sailing experience.”

Registration for Community Sailing is now open. To register, or for more information about pricing and dates, visit wolfeboro.recdesk.com.

To learn more about NHBM, visit nhbm.org.