a 501(c)3 charitable organization "Sailing for Good"
Sailing School
Summer 2024 NEWS
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Registration OPENs for the 2024 Season on April 1
Please click for 2024 info on . .
CLICK HERE TO MEET OUR 2023 STAFF
2024 Staff Information Coming Soon
Including Biographies
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Important COVID Information
For the last three seasons, we have worked hard, with great cooperation from our families, to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all of our kids and staff as well.
For 2024 we have COVID policies as follows:
Mask wearing will now be optional. Students may wear masks on keelboats or on land if desired.
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Please click here to see our full 2024 COVID rules and procedures.
Discounts Hows to save $$$. . . .
Come-Again Discount (for Youth Sailing Only)– Schedule two or more sessions for the same attendee and save 15%
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(if you schedule multiple sessions at the same time, the 15% discount will be applied automatically; if you schedule an additional session for the same student later, please enter the coupon code "MULTISESSION" to receive your 15% discount)
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Financial Aid
LWSA is committed to removing financial barriers so that all children can enjoy the sport of sailing. We have provided financial assistance to many, many kids over the years and we will never turn a child away because of inability to pay.
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If your child or a child in a family that you know would like to sail this summer, but cannot afford it, then please Contact Us by email or by phone at (603) 589-1177. Every inquiry is confidential
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We take great pride in the fact that many of our financial aid recipients have been given an experience they never would have had - - an experience that might open the door to a lifetime of enjoyment of sailing and appreciation of the water.
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What We Do
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.
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The LWSA has taught several thousand 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!
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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-the-water training. Our 37-boat Sailing Fleet consists of Optimist sailing dinghies, Vanguard 420's, a 23-foot Sonar keelboat, two 26-foot J-80s, and a fleet of ten exciting O'pen Bic sailing dinghies!
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We offer a broad curriculum of hands-on youth classes all summer long for kids of all abilities ages 7 to 16, plus a Youth Racing Club (up to age 18) for those who want to race.
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For students of all abilities, from beginner to experienced sailors, who can't wait to get out on the water!
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We offer a hands-on group adult classes for beginner and intermediate adults. These are a great way to try out sailing and master essential skills. Whether you are just interested in trying sailing for the first time, giving the gift of sailing lessons to a family member, or want to get back into sailing after many years away from the helm, LWSA can help you meet your goals. Many of our adult group participants are new boat owners of small sailboats and find this the perfect way to safely gain confidence. Others want to brush up on skills before getting involved in the yacht racing scene on Lake WInnipesaukee.
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Private Lessons
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Our experienced staff is here for you! What would you like to do?
We will work with you or your family to deliver private lessons at times that are convenient to you, and at your own pace. We provide the boat, large or small, or if you prefer, we will coach you on your own sailboat.
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If you do not want instruction, but would just like to go sailing on beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee, we can arrange that as well. Whether you are arranging a family outing or a team event for your business, LWSA can help you enjoy a sailing excursion on the lake.
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Requirements
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Swim Tests
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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.
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Life Jackets
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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.
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What To Bring
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You can find a full, easy to print list of what to bring to Sailing School here .
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Conduct
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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.
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Timeliness
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All classes start promptly at 9:00 AM or 1:00 PM. In order to maintain our schedule we ask that all students be on campus and “ready to go” on time but no earlier than 10 minutes before the designated start time. Campus location and directions can be found here .
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