Learn to Sail
at the LWSA Sailing School's
21st Summer Season !
The Lake Winnipesaukee Sailing Association, Inc. is dedicated to helping children from 8 to 16 build character through learning to appreciate, harness and respect the elements of wind and water. We are committed to work with students of all interests, abilities and means.
The LWSA has instructed over 2,000 sailors since 1988. Our US Sailing certified instructors know what to teach at each level from novice to racer, and how to make it fun, too!
The course materials and teaching aids are provided by US Sailing and the American Red Cross. Course time is a combination of both classroom and on-water training. Our Sailing Fleet consists of Optimist sailing dinghies and Vanguard 420's.
This course is for students aged 8 - 10 with little or no sailing experience.
This course is taught in Optimist sailing dinghies. Based on age, size and weight, students will either be paired or sail alone. Focus is on introduction to sailing and safety in and around sailboats. Students will learn to rig, sail and steer the boat.
Students enrolled in this course are entitled to participate in Free Sailing Fridays.
Level One - Ages 11-16
Two-week course, full days (Mon-Thurs)
(Note Session 4 is a one-week course)
Fee: Session 1 - $370; Sessions 2 & 3 - $395; Session 4 (1 week) $220 schedule
This course is for older students, ages 11-16, with little or no sailing experience. While it is similar to the Level One class offered to the younger students (described above), the two-week duration and age of the students will allow them to master more skills by the end of the course.
This course is taught in 2-person Vanguard 420 sailing dinghies. Focus is on introduction to sailing and safety in and around sailboats. Students will learn to rig, sail and steer the boat.
Students enrolled in this course are entitled to participate in Free Sailing Fridays.
Level Two - Ages 8-10
One-week course, full days (Mon-Thurs)
Fee: Sessions 1&2 $245; Session 3 $220 schedule
This course is for students ages 8-10 who have successfully completed the Level One class or have equivalent experience.
This course is taught in Optimist sailing dinghies, and will build upon the skills learned in the Level One class. Students will learn to become more aware of wind and weather, and will focus on more advanced sailing, boat handling, and safety skills, including tacking, jibing and landing a sailboat. Students' skills will be constantly evaluated and at the appropriate time those who are interested will be introduced to advanced concepts and/or competitive racing.
Students enrolled in this course are entitled to participate in Free Sailing Fridays.
Level Two - Ages 11-16
Two-week course, full days (Mon-Thurs)
(Note Session 4 is a one-week course)
Fee: Session 1 - $370; Sessions 2 & 3 - $395; Session 4 (1 week) $220 schedule
This course is for older students, ages 11-16, who have successfully completed the Level One class or have equivalent experience. While it is similar to the Level Two class offered to the younger students (described above), the two-week duration and age of the students will allow them to master more skills by the end of the course.
This course is taught in 2-person Vanguard 420 sailing dinghies and will build upon the skills learned in the Level One class. Students will learn to become more aware of wind and weather, and will focus on more advanced sailing, boat handling, and safety skills, including tacking, jibing and landing a sailboat. Students' skills will be constantly evaluated and at the appropriate time those who are interested will be introduced to advanced concepts and/or competitive racing.
Students enrolled in this course are entitled to participate in Free Sailing Fridays.
Racing - Ages 8 - 16
One-week course, full days (Mon-Thurs)
Fee: $245 schedule
This course is for those students who wish to be introduced to sailboat racing or who would like to sharpen their current racing skills. It is open to all students, ages 8-16, who have successfully completed the Level One class or have equivalent experience.
This class is designed to cover all aspects of sailboat racing, and will include classroom instruction, on-the-water instruction, drills, and actual races. These closely-coached classes will cover starting, buoy rounding, boat speed, tactics, strategy, and the rules of racing. More advanced students will be coached in more advanced go-fast and tactical skills.
Participants will have the opportunity to compete in youth regattas elsewhere in New England.
Students enrolled in this course are entitled to participate in Free Sailing Fridays.
All students enrolled in any course may participate in a free half-day sailing session each Friday during the sailing season. Informal instruction will be provided if desired. Instructional staff will be present for safety and for instruction as required.
Students must register with the Head Instructor by Wednesday of each week.
More hands-on time and fun for aspiring and experienced racers to sharpen their sailboat racing skills. These free half-day sessions will consist of closely coached races, drills, and instruction, plus classroom instruction when appropriate. Please get in touch with us if you're interested in participating!
Pre-register your child with our online form. (Will be available April 1)
You will hear from our registrar:
If the student is accepted in the class for which he/she was pre-registered, you will receive a confirmation via email.
If there are questions about the student’s suitability for the class, our registrar will contact you to discuss your child and to agree upon the right class for your child.
If you asked on the pre-registration form for someone to contact you. Once your questions are answered, we will determine the right class for your child.
With your confirmation you will be sent a link to the online Registration Packet. You will need to download, print and complete the Packet forms, and return it to the LWSA, along with your check. Your registration will not be complete until this information is received.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us any time via email to:
or via phone at 603-584-1173.
Please note:
All classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If we cannot accommodate you when desired, we will do our best to offer a suitable alternative.
All classes must be paid by check in full at the time of registration.
LWSA does not refund or transfer tuition payments, except in the case of doctor’s form recommending withdrawal prior to the start of class.
The complete Registration Package must be received at least 7 days before each session.
All classes meet regardless of weather
About the Program
All Classes start promptly at 9:00 AM. In order to maintain our schedule we ask that all students be on campus and “ready to go” 15 minutes ahead of class time.
Students are required to have their own PFD (Life Jacket). Classes are offered June through August (see Course schedule).
Swim Tests
Water safety is the first consideration for all. Students must pass the LWSA swim test prior to participating in any course. These tests will be conducted the first day of each class.
For the swim test, students will be required to swim approximately 75 feet wearing a life jacket, to a coach boat with instructor(s). They will then remove the life jacket and tread water for approximately one minute to demonstrate their comfort level in the water. They will then put the life jacket back on and swim back to the starting point.
Conduct
LWSA wants participants in its programs to have fun while developing their skills and building their confidence. In order to function well, programs require a high standard of commitment, effort and personal conduct. Proper behavior & sportsmanship are expected while participating in the School’s program and on its property.
Scholarships
LWSA Scholarships are available to help any student who might otherwise be unable to participate because of an inability to pay. For further information please contact our registrar at
or 603-584-1173. Your request will remain confidential.