New community sailing program launched on Lake Winnipesaukee

The Lake Winnipesaukee Sailing Academy (LWSA), a community sailing program operated in accordance with the guidelines of the United States Sailing Association, is currently accepting enrollments for the 2005 sailing season. The program is dedicated to providing educational and recreational boating programs for people of all ages, abilities and means. The curriculum builds character through learning to appreciate how to harness and respect the elements of the wind and the water.

The Lake Winnipesaukee Sailing Association is sponsoring the LWSA. Since the inception of its Youth Sailing Program in 1988 the LWSA has instructed close to 2,000 sailors. The association employs United States Sailing Association certified instructors trained to teach all levels ranging from novice to racer, and is dedicated to making the experience an enjoyable one for all sailors.

The new Director of Sailing for the LWSA is David Christie, a native of Scotland who has lived in New Hampshire for the past 20 years. Christie has over 50 years of sailing experience, has competed successfully in one-design racing and has extensive experience of both coastal and offshore cruising and racing.

LWSA is based at Fay’s Boatyard, Inc. on Varney Point Road in Gilford. Four half-day classes per week are being offered starting in June and running through August. Classes are held Monday – Thursday with “Free-Sailing Fridays” for students enrolled in any of the “Basic sailing” and “Intermediate sailing” courses. Members of the Racing club may also participate in “Free-Sailing Fridays”.

LWSA Scholarships are available to help any student who might otherwise be unable to participate because of an inability to pay.

Registration is on going, however early registration is suggested due to class size limitations. Detailed information and registration forms are available on the LWSA website at www.lwsa.org. Further information may also be obtained by calling 603-293-9191 or by e-mail at school@lwsa.org. Registrations received with full payment by May 1, 2005 will receive a free LWSA T-shirt for the student.

Parents and students who are interested learning more about the 2005 Lake Winnipesaukee Sailing Academy programs are encouraged to attend Information Nights in the LWSA classroom at Fay’s Boat Yard, Inc. at 7:00 p.m. on the following dates: Session 1 – Tuesday, June 14; Session 2 - Tuesday, July 5; and Session 3 – Tuesday, July 26. These sessions are open to all, regardless of registration status.