Youth Sailing Camps Offered Again This Summer

The Passamaquoddy Yacht Club in partnership with Washington County Community College’s Outdoor Adventure Center is again offering a series of community sailing programs for youth and adults this summer. “The programs we’ll be offering this summer are a continuation and enhancement of the youth sailing camps we have been offering in years past,” says sailing program coordinator Scott Fraser.  “We’ve again teamed up with the PYC to offer four weeks of sailing camps this summer targeted at youth with the focus of introducing participants to sailing.  We’re really looking to get kids out on the water and teaching them sailing skills in a safe and fun environment.”

All of the programs will be taught by trained instructors certified through US Sailing, the recognized national governing body for the sport of sailing. The Youth Sailing Camp for Beginners is offered for youth ages 8-12 and is offered over two separate weeks in different locations.  The first beginner week will be at Indian Lake in Whiting from July 17-21.  The second beginner week is at Keene’s Lake in Calais from July 31-August 4.  Both programs are day camps offered over a 5-day format with an emphasis on providing a positive early learning experience on the water while sailing. There is also a Youth Sailing Camp for Intermediate Sailors offered at Keene’s Lake August 7-11. The cost of the any of these Youth Sailing Camp programs is $135 for the week.  Participants will need transportation to and from the lake, as well as a bag lunch and snacks.  Some scholarships may be available on a limited basis due to generous donations from the Passamaquoddy Yacht Club. “We’ve really tried to make it as affordable as possible to get kids on the water.  The support of the Passamaquoddy Yacht Club has been tremendous in helping us achieve this goal,” commented Fraser.

There is also an Advanced Sailing Program for youth ages 13-16 who have already taken the intermediate camp or currently have sailing skills. This program will focus on further developing sailing skills for teens. This is a 5-day program that will be offered from July 21-25 at Boyden’s Lake in Perry.  Participants will be provided with instruction in sailboat racing using WCCC’s fleet of 16’ Flying Junior sailboats. “They’re really great boats for teaching and learning at this age group,” says Fraser.  “We’re hoping that this program might eventually get enough local kids interested that they might start up a local high school racing team or two,” comments Fraser. The cost of the Junior program is $150 for the week and participants will need transportation to and from Gleason’s Cove and will need to bring a lunch, water, snacks and extra clothing.

Registration and information for all of these programs is available at www.passamaquoddyyachtclub.org/school or by contacting the sailing program coordinator Scott Fraser at 454-1031.