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This is the LWSA pre-2017 ARCHIVE site. For 2017 and later see the current LWSA site.
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The LWSA has gotten lots of Learn to Sail at the LWSA Sailing School's 37th Summer Season!
Registration opens April 1
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 2,500 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-the-water training. Our 37-boat Sailing Fleet consists of Optimist sailing dinghies, Vanguard 420's, 23-foot Sonar keelboats, and a fleet of ten exciting O'pen Bic sailing dinghies!
We are now operating out of our fantastic new Sailing Center at 25 Davis Road in Gilford. See map, below, and read more about the facility and our plans for the future.
What We Do:
- For Children from 7 – 16:
- We offer a broad curriculum of hands-on classes for kids of all abilities, plus a Racing Club for kids up to ages 18
- For Adults:
- We have learn-to-sail and advanced classes for adults from 18 to 98, taught in our roomy and stable 23 foot Sonar keelboats and 26 foot J/80.
- Private Lessons:
- Our certified staff can meet your special needs and schedule - private coaching, family sails, instruction in your own boat, etc. Please contact us to discuss.
- Scholarships:
- No kid should miss this opportunity because of inability to pay. Please contact us in confidence for more information.
New for 2017!
Advanced Curriculum: We have added an Advanced Seamanship class to challenge our more experienced sailors and help them broaden their skills further.
Expanded Schedule: In response to increased interest, adult lessons and private lessons will begin earlier this season. They will be available beginning May 22.
Expanded Discounts: You now have three discount opportunities:
- Early-Bird discount for enrolling before May 1.
- Come-Again discount for students who enroll in two or more sessions
- Summer Solstice discount provides lower tuition on most classes offered during the first three weeks of the season
The 2024 Courses and Schedule will be available soon.
Meanwhile you may find last summer's courses and schedule useful in planning for this coming summer.
Take 15% off registration with the "come-again" discount!
2017 Courses
Our course offerings at a glance::
Youth:
- M01: Mighty Minis - age 7, one week, half days: details | schedule
- 101: Level One 8-10 - ages 8-10, one week details | schedule
- 102: Level One 11-16 - ages 11-16, two weeks: details | schedule
- 102A: Level One 11-16 - ages 11-16, one week details | schedule
- 201:Level Two 8-10 - ages 8-10, one week description | schedule
- 202: Level Two 11-16 - ages 11-16, two weeks description | schedule
- 202A: Level Two 11-16 - ages 11-16, one week description | schedule
- 301: Racing - ages 11-16: description | schedule
- 302: Level Three 13-16 - ages 11-16: description | schedule
- 303: Advanced Seamanship - ages 13-16: description | schedule
- R100:Youth Racing Club - ages 8-18 description | schedule
Adult:
- 501: Adult Learn-to-Sail Level 1: description | schedule
- 502: Adult Learn-to-Sail Level 2: description | schedule
Private/Group:
- Private Lessons description
2017 Course Descriptions
Please note that all dates, classes, and prices are subject to change. Contact us with any questions!
M01: "Mighty Minis"
Age 7;
Four-day course, half days (Mon-Thu);
Fee: $135
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.
101: Level One 8-10
Ages 8 - 10;
One-week course, full days (Mon-Fri);
Fee: $260-285
schedule
This course, for students ages 8 - 10 with little or no sailing experience, 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.
102: Level One 11-16
Ages 11-16;
Two-week course, full days (Mon-Fri);
Fee: $395-430
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 Optimist sailing dinghies, O'pen Bic sailboats and two-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.
102A: One Week Level 1 Class for older students
Ages 11-16 One-week course, full days (Mon-Fri) Fee: $285
This course is for older students ages 11-16, with little or no sailing experience. Similar to the Level 1 class described above, but for students who are not able to schedule the full two-week course (102). The students older ages will allow them to get a feel for sailing and may excite them to try another class that we offer. This course is taught with Optimist sailing dinghies, Vanguard 420’s and O'pen Bic boats. Focus is on introduction to sailing and safety in and around sailboats. Students will learn to rig, sail and steer the boat.
201: Level Two 8-10
Ages 8-10;
One-week course, full days (Mon-Fri);
Fee: $235-285
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 O'pen Bic sailboats 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.
202: Level Two 11-16
Ages 11-16;
Two-week course, full days (Mon-Fri);
Fee: $395-430
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 Optimist sailing dinghies, O'pen Bic sailboats and two-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.
202A: Level Two 11-16 - One Week Level Two Class for older kids!
Ages 11-16 One-week course, full days (Mon-Fri) Fee: $235-285
This is a one-week class for students who are not able to schedule the full two-week (202) course. It is for older students ages 11-16, who have successfully completed a Level One class or have equivalent experience. Similar to the Level Two class offered to younger kids, the older audience of this class will allow students to master more skills and explore the fun of sailing at a higher level! The one-week lengtht lets older students give sailing a try and hopefully excite them to explore our other programs! This course will be taught in Optimist sailing dinghies, Vanguard 420 sailing dinghies, and O'pen Bic boats.
301: Racing 8-16
Ages 11 - 16;
One-week course, full days (Mon-Fri);
Fee: $235-285
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.
302: Level Three 13-16
Ages 13-16;
Two-week course, full days (Mon-Fri);
Fee: $395-430
schedule
This course, taught in Vanguard 420 dinghies, O'pen Bic sailboats and a 23-foot Sonar keelboat, is for older students (ages 13-16) who have successfully completed the Level Two class or have equivalent experience.
This course will build upon the skills learned in the Level Two class. Students will focus on more advanced sailing, boat handling and safety skills. They will learn more about wind and weather, chart reading, anchoring and docking, and more. They will learn to be comfortable not only in sailing dinghies but also in our larger keelboats.<\p>
303: Advanced Seamanship 13 - 16
Ages 13 - 16;
One-week course, full days (Mon-Fri);
Fee: $285
schedule
This course is for those students who have successfully completed the Level Three class, or have equivalent experience. Attendees must be approved by the head instructor before registering. Please contact . This class for 13-16 year olds is taught in Vanguard 420's, Sonar keelboats, and assorted other boats for day trips. The aim of this class is for our most advanced sailors to develop advanced skills and to demonstrate their understanding and ability. This class will also serve as a way for our sailors to start to learn how to teach sailing to others and help them plan their own sailing adventures. This is going to be a great chance for participants to learn new material as well as demonstrate what they know.
R100: LWSA Youth Racing Club
Fee $350 for the season
schedule
This is an opportunity for our racing students to further develop their skills. The LWSA racing club is a two day a week program that will run throughout our summer season. The team will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-12:30 as well as selected regatta dates. The race club will give participants more coaching, more practice, and the ability to travel and represent the LWSA in off-the-lake regattas. Eligible students will have completed the Racing class, Level 3 class, or have equivalent experience. If interested in participating, or if you have questions, please contact us. Students will race in a combination of Optimist dinghies, Vanguard 420s and O'pen Bic boats.
Youth Program Schedule
Please note that all dates, classes, and prices are subject to change. Registration will open on April 1, 2017. Contact us with any questions!
Discounts:
- Early bird discount –
- Register before May 1st and save $15 per class.
- Come-Again Discount –
- Schedule additional sessions for the same attendee and save 15%: 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.
- Summer Solstice –
- pay less for most classes during the first-three weeks!
The schedule for 2024 has not been finalized. Please check back later.
Adult Programs
501: Adult Learn-to-Sail Level One - Ages 16+
Four 3-hour classes;
Fee: $295-330
schedule
This course is for adults with little or no sailing experience. It will be taught in small groups in our stable and comfortable 23-foot Sonar keelboats and a 26-foot J/80.
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.
502: Adult Learn-to-Sail Level Two - Ages 16+
Four 3-hour classes; Fee: $330
schedule
This course is for adults with sailing experience. It will be taught in small groups in our stable and comfortable 23-foot Sonar keelboats and a 26-foot J/80.
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 navigation.
Please contact us to discuss your specific needs and goals.
Adult Program Schedule
Please note that all dates, classes, and prices are subject to change. Registration will open on April 1, 2017. Contact us with any questions!
Discounts:
- Early bird discount –
- Register before May 1st and save $15 per class.
- Come-Again Discount –
- Schedule additional sessions for the same attendee and save 15%: 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.
- Summer Solstice –
- pay less for most classes during the first-three weeks!
The schedule for 2024 has not been finalized. Please check back later.
Private and Group Programs
Our experienced staff is here for you! What would you like to do?
We will work with you or your family at times that are convenient to you, and at your own pace. If you prefer, we will coach you in your own sailboat. And if you would just like to go sailing on beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee, we can arrange that as well. Just contact us to discuss your needs.
Private lessons cost $50 per hour for one person; add a second person for only $30 more per hour, and an additional third person is only $10 more per hour.
Registration
To be notified when Registration opens, as well as other Sailing School news, please contact us at the sailing-school address given here.
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 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.
- All classes meet regardless of weather.
Discounts
- Early bird discount –
- Register before May 1 and save $15 per class.
- Come-Again Discount –
- Schedule additional sessions for the same attendee and save 15%: 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.
- Summer Solstice –
- pay less for most classes during the first-three weeks!
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 us at or by phone: 603-589-1177 Your request will remain confidential.
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 us at or 603-589-1177. Your request will remain confidential.
Location/Directions
Map/Directions to the School at the Adams Memorial Sailing Center
The LWSA Sailing School is at 25 Davis Road, on the shores of Smith Cove 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
The Canvas Guys
Busby Construction
Pike Industries
And all our wonderful donors and volunteers!
