Lake Winni Sailing Association introduces women's classes

GILFORD — The Lakes Winnipesaukee Sailing Association is introducing a new series of all-female adult sailing classes this year.

The LWSA team is celebrating their 39th anniversary, and the second year for their new director, Theresa Martens. Martens pitched the idea of women's sailing classes at the end of last summer, after speaking with female members of the Winnipesaukee Yacht Club.

“At the Thursday night races, ladies didn’t want to get yelled [at] on the water and lose their enthusiasm,” Martens said.

Martens was inspired to create an environment where women could learn proper sailing techniques, and not feel pressured to perform well right away.

“Ladies feel comfortable with just ladies,” Martens said. “Our programs are in a calm environment, and our instructors are very patient and accommodating.”

LWSA President Ben Crosby, a former sailing instructor, said Martens is a pioneer for the all-female classes in her new director position.

“We built the [female] classes based on our current adult classes,” Crosby said. “We’re excited to see how it goes.”

The organization is in the midst of holding their annual sailing summer camps for children and young adults, which they’ve organized since the organization’s first year in 1988.

“As a former camper and instructor for these camps, it’s so cool to see the improvement from the first day to the end of the week,” Crosby said. “When the kids realize they can control where they’re going, they light up. It’s pretty amazing.”

LWSA holds several week-long sessions during the summer for 7-year-olds, 8- to 10-year-olds, and kids ages 11-16, and 13-18, with different level classes based on age and ability. Some classes run in morning and afternoon sessions, while some last all day, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The children's classes follow the U.S. Sailing instructional format, beginning with teaching kids sailing skills in a boat on land, then on Lake Winnipesaukee.

“We try to keep it light and fun, while also teaching them,” Martens said. “Kids grow up a lot when they learn to sail, because it's a self-sufficient skill. You watch them blossom. It’s extraordinary to see.”

There is still availability for women's classes and children's camps this summer. LWSA also holds private lessons for those who aren't available during the camp or class schedule.

“There’s a reputation that our camps and classes fill up right away, but there’s quite a few openings,” Martens said.

To learn more, visit lwsa.org.