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Registration for the 2011 Summer Season is full (except for Adult Sailing and Youth Racing Clug); please call us at603-589-1177to check for any last-minute openings. Learn to Sail
at the LWSA Sailing School's
24th Summer Season !
The Lake Winnipesaukee Sailing Association, Inc. is dedicated to helping children from 6 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 twenty boat Sailing Fleet consists of Optimist sailing dinghies and Vanguard 420's.
For further information send email to:
2011 Courses
Our course offerings:
- Mighty MInis - Ages 6-7: 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
- Racing Ages 8-16: description | schedule
- Youth Racing Club: description | schedule
- Adult Learn-to-Sail: description | schedule
2011 Schedule
As of 25 July, please note that all remaining sessions are full except for Adult Sailing and Youth Racing Club; please contact us at603-589-1177to check for any last-minute openings.
Please note that all dates, classes, and prices are subject to change.
Note $20 discount as shown below in red if your registration is completed before May 2nd. (Except for Youth Racing Club, which is not eligible for discount.)
Mighty Minis - Ages 6 - 7
Four-day course, half days (Mon-Thu)
Fee: $125
schedule
This is an introduction to sailing for 6 and 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: Session 1 - $230; Sessions 2-7 - $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: Session 1 - $380; Sessions 2 & 3- $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: Session 1 - $380; Sessions 2 & 3 - $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.
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 - Ages 16 - 116
Four 3-hour classes, mornings 10AM - 1PM or evenings 5Pm - 8PM Monday & Wednesday
Fee: $300
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.
Registration - opens about April 1
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.
- Your registration will not be complete until the complete Registration Package, including payment, is received.
- 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” 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 or603-589-1177. Your request will remain confidential.
Location/Directions
The Lake Winnipesaukee Sailing School is located at Fay's Boat Yard in Gilford, NH, near the intersection of Routes 11 and 11b.
This image is a link to a larger-scale map of the immediate area:
For detailed directions and maps, follow this link to Google Maps.
The Staff
Anthony Sperazzo is returning to LWSA for his 3rd year as the Program Director. Anthony's full time job is having fun with his middle school students at Gilford Middle School as a Physical Education teacher. Prior to working at LWSA, Anthony was the Trips Coordinator for a local camp where he led hiking, kayaking, and white water rafting trips. He also has run a day camp for 5 years back in Massachusetts. Anthony graduated from Plymouth State in 2004. He recently completed his masters program and became a certified principal. When not sailing on Lake Winni, Anthony can be seen running, hiking, biking, and having fun with the crew!
James Unsworth will be in his 3rd year as Head Sailing Instructor at LWSA. He was raised along the shores of Lake Champlain in Northern Vermont where he learned to sail. James graduated from Roger Williams University in 2008 where he sailed on the school’s varsity sailing team all four years. During his time on the RWU sailing team, James was honored to represent the team at its first national championship in Charleston, S.C. James studied elementary education and psychology while at RWU. James is an active sailboat racer and has extensive experience in high school and collegiate classes as well as many others. When not on the water James can be found in the mountains snowboarding, hiking, and camping. Prior to James joining the LWSA crew, he was the Head Sailing Instructor at the Lake Champlain Yacht Club in Shelburne, VT. James is currently the Head Sailing Coach at Middlebury College.
RJ Darabant has been sailing with the LWSA for eight years. He was a camper, junior instructor, and now is currently in his 4th season as an LWSA Instructor. RJ just completed his freshman year at Bryant University. His hobbies are lacrosse, attending leadership programs, and playing videogames. His favorite type of sailboat is a pirate ship.
Owen Carey-Hatch graduated from Plymouth State University in 2010 with a degree in Physical Education with an Applied Health Fitness option and is now a certified fitness instructor. This is Owen's 3rd season as an instructor at LWSA. He has been involved with all sorts of sports throughout his life and likes nothing more than spending time outdoors. During the winter season, Owen coaches ski racing at Waterville Valley. With his little amount of free time, he hikes big mountains and gets some amazing back country skiing in. Owen's interests include anything that challenges his mental and physical capabilities. His future plans include joining the Peace Corps and then getting his masters in physical therapy and of course, lots of skiing and sailing!
Carson Quigley is returning for her 3rd at LWSA as an Instructor. Carson also went through the program as a camper andJunior Instructor. Carson is in her senior year at Gilford High School. She is a member of the National Honor Society as well a varsity athlete in field hockey, skiing, and lacrosse. Carson is an avid dancer, takes six dance courses and volunteers at the Gilford Public Library. She also teaches skiing at the Children’s Center at Gunstock Mountain Resort.
Thanks for a Great 2010 Season!
The Lake Winnipesaukee Youth Sailing Program had a record setting summer! With only 3 hours of rain falling during camp hours, the sailors were out on the water all the time. It seemed like it was 90 degrees all summer with plenty of wind. And smiles were seen everywhere!
The LWSA crew made miraculous strides after being together for their 2nd summer. James, Owen, RJ, Carson, and Alex have about 31 years associated with the LWSA program either as a camper, junior instructor, or instructor and they made it clear in June that they wanted to make this the best summer ever! And they definitely came through breaking all of our wildest expectations. Here are some of the highlights you may have seen or would enjoy learning about.
- Sailing in many of the BIG WIND days
- WAR Regatta
- Olympics week Go Chad!
- James sailing in the opti
- Ice cream parties
- Ice cream sail to the Weirs
- Trips to Camp Island and the Forties
- Sail to Bear Island in J80s
- 1st place finisher in the Opti & Bug class at the Dead Fish Regatta
- 1st place finisher in the Opti class at the Winnipesaukee Annual Regatta
- Claimed 3 out of the 4 1st place finishes at the Rig It Up Regatta at Lake Sunapee
As you know we expanded to a 6 & 7 year old half day program. We had lots of interest with this new program and two of the four sessions sold out. We also worked with adults which allowed us to teach 10 adults on the water. And the biggest news is the enrollment of our 8-16 year old program. We had 182 students weeks sold. Last year we had 130 and in 2008 there were 100. As you can see, the staff is putting smiles on the kids. faces! Combine the regular day program, 6 & 7 year olds, and adults, and we sold 200 student weeks!!!!! That's incredible! A new enrollment record!
Our Tuesday night Racing Club that James ran, averaged about 10 sailors per week with one week hitting 14. These kids learned about starts on a race course, tactics, and other pertinent race information. They also had several races during those nights. The racing program is growing fast. The Winnipesaukee Annual Regatta was held this past July at the Winnipesaukee Yacht Club. UNH Sailing Program, LWSA, Meredith Bay Sailing Association, and Northern Lake George Yacht Club attended. We had about 20 boats on the starting line and all racers were treated to a cookout and awards at the end. And next year, we're hosting a 2 day regatta. This will bring in more sailors and be an awesome event! So mark your calendars for July 27 & 28 as we will be looking for host families.
We were also able to give out several scholarships this year which provided opportunities for children to join who might have never sailed.
New Hampshire Chronicle got wind of this program and came out to do a feature on us. It was great seeing the program on Chronicle. Check it out at www.lwsa.org or Facebook us to view.
Next year's possibilities:
- Adventure Sail Night
- Level 3 non-racing
- Level 2 adult lessons
- More adult classes
As you can tell, our enrollments have gone up dramatically. 16 out of the 26 classes offered were sold out. We hope to fill most classes next summer. So make sure to visit our website early at www.lwsa.org for registration which will begin April 1st, 2011. For more information, please call 603-584-1173 or send an email to
From all of us at the Sailing School, we wish your child a safe and productive learning year at school. We.ll see you out on the water after the ice thaws!
Anthony Sperazzo
LWSA Sailing School Director
Check us out on Facebook at Lake Winnipesaukee Sailing Association and tell your friends! Or check our blog out at http://lakewinnisailing.blogspot.com.
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
