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Registration for the 2012 Season is now Open! To sign up:
Learn to Sail
at the LWSA Sailing School's
25th Summer Season !
The Lake Winnipesaukee Sailing Association, Inc. is dedicated to helping children from 7 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 taught more than 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!
Our course materials and teaching aids are based on US Sailing and American Red Cross curricula. Course time is a combination of both classroom and on-water training. Our twenty boat Sailing Fleet consists of Optimist sailing dinghies and Vanguard 420's.
Registration
Registration for the 2012 Season is now open! To sign up for courses, please:
- Register online
- Download either: Registration Packet - student ages 7-16 or Registration Packet - adult student
- Fill out and send in the Registration Packet and your course payment
- Contact us via email: or by phone: 603-589-1177 if you have any questions!
Please note:
- All classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If we cannot accommodate your specific request, 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.
- Your registration will not be complete until we receive your completed Registration Package, including payment.
- All classes meet regardless of weather
Where our students are from:
US: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,Texas, North Carolina, Washington; Abroad: Bermuda, Belgium, Ireland, Ghana, United Kingdom
2012 Courses
Our course offerings:
- Mighty MInis - Age 7: description | schedule
- Level One - Ages 8-10: description | schedule
- Level One - Ages 11-16: description | schedule
- Level Two - Ages 8-10: description | schedule
- Level Two - Ages 11-16: description | schedule
- Level Three - Ages 11-16: description | schedule
- Racing - Ages 8-16: description | schedule
- Youth Racing Club: description | schedule
- Adult Learn-to-Sail: description | schedule
- Adult Learn-to-Sail Level 2: description | schedule
2012 Schedule and Course Descriptions
Please note that all dates, classes, and prices are subject to change. Registration will open, and forms will be available for download, on April1. Contact us with any questions!
Mighty Minis - Age 7
Four-day course, half days (Mon-Thu)
Fee: $125
schedule
This is an introduction to sailing for 7 year olds with little or no sailing experience. This is a closely-supervised class designed to help these students feel comfortable in a sailboat, and to learn to steer the boat and handle sails, and to develop an awareness of safety in and around boats. Students must be able to swim, and will be expected to pass the swim test described below.
Level One - Ages 8 - 10
One-week course, full days (Mon-Fri)
Fee: $260
schedule
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.
Level One - Ages 11-16
Two-week course, full days (Mon-Fri)
Fee: $395
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.
Level Two - Ages 8-10
One-week course, full days (Mon-Fri)
Fee: $260
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.
Level Two - Ages 11-16
Two-week course, full days (Mon-Fri)
Fee: $395
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.
Level Three - Ages 13-16
Two-week course, full days (Mon-Fri)
Fee: $395
schedule
This course, taught in Vanguard 420 dinghies, is for older students (ages 13-16) who have successfully completed the Level Two class or have equivalent experience.
This two-week class 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 Two class. Students will learn to become more aware of wind and weather, what supplies are needed for sailing trips, learn and navigate a map, how to toss an anchor, 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.
Racing - Ages 8 - 16
One-week course, full days (Mon-Fri)
Fee: $260
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.
Youth Racing Club
Over the years, many of our students have found sailboat racing to be challenging, fun and exciting. The LWSA's Youth Racing Club is a way to introduce young sailors to the sport and to help the more experienced ones sharpen their skills. Activities will include weekly races and clinics on Tuesday evenings, trips to regattas and the opportunity to crew on a boat in the Lake's major racing fleet. If interested in participating, or if you have questions, please contact us at or contact a member of our instructional staff. Racing club membership is open to any sailor who can demonstrate adequate basic boat-handling skills.
Adult Learn-to-Sail Level One - Ages 16+
Four 3-hour classes, Monday & Wednesday, mornings 10AM - 1PM or evenings 5Pm - 8PM
Fee: $300
Location: Meredith Bay
schedule
This course is for adults with little or no sailing experience. It will be taught in small groups in a stable and comfortable J-22 keelboat.
In this hands-on course, students will learn to rig the boat, handle sails and steer the boat. Emphasis will be on safety and on all aspects of boat handling, including leaving and returning to the mooring, man overboard procedure and how to manage safely in strong winds.
Please contact us to discuss your specific needs and goals.
Adult Learn-to-Sail Level Two - Ages 16+
Four 3-hour classes, Monday and Wednesday, mornings 10AM - 1PM
schedule
This course is for adults with sailing experience. It will be taught in small groups in a stable and comfortable J-22 keelboat.
In this hands-on course, students will gain the skills needed to explore local waters with confidence. You'll learn to handle a boat with auxiliary outboard motor, and the refined sailing techniques to get where you're going quickly and comfortably. Topics covered include balance and sail shape, tuning, spinnaker handling, docking and anchoring under power, use of marine radio, and daytime coastal navigation.
Please contact us to discuss your specific needs and goals.
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” on time.
Students are required to have their own PFD (Life Jacket). If you are unable to purchase one for your child, please let us know and we will work to find one for him/her.
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 603-589-1177. Your request will remain confidential.
Location/Directions
Map/Directions to the School at Fay's Boatyard
View Larger Map
Map/Directions to the Adult Classes at Meredith Town Docks
View Larger Map
The LWSA Sailing School is located at Fay's Boat Yard in Gilford, NH, near the intersection of Routes 11 and 11b.
Acknowledgements
This School would not be possible without the support of the following organizations and individuals:
Fay's Boat Yard and Merrill Fay
Dave's Motorboat Shop
Winnipesaukee Yacht Club
Members of J80 Fleet #1
Belknap Landscape Company
Appletree Nursery
And all our wonderful donors and volunteers!
