WCCC Partners with the Passamaquoddy Yacht Club

Interested in learning to sail? Washington County Community College, in partnership with The Passamaquoddy Yacht Club, will be once again offering a series of sailing programs for youth this summer. The programs are funded in part by generous donations from the members of Passamaquoddy Yacht Club.

A Beginner Youth Sailing Camp is offered for youth ages 8-12 and is offered over two separate weeks in different locations.  The first week will be at Indian Lake in Whiting from July 6-10.  The second week is at Keene’s Lake in Calais from July 13-17.  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. The cost of the Youth Sailing Camp program is $135 for the week.  Participants will need transportation to and from the lake, as well as a bag lunch and snacks.

There is also an Intermediate Sailing Camp for youth ages 8-12 that will focus on improving upon fundamental skills that participants may have already acquired either through the Beginner Youth Sailing Camps, or through participation in another similar course or training.  This Intermediate Camp will run at Keene’s Lake in Calais from July 20-24.  The cost is also $135 for the 5-day program, and participants will need transportation to and from the lake as well as a bag lunch and snacks.

Finally there will be an advanced session for teens ages 12-18. This is a 5-day program that will be offered from August 3-7 at Keene’s Lake in Calais and may transition to ocean sailing at Gleason’s Cove in Perry.  Participants will be provided with instruction using more advanced sailboats and the focus of this session will introduce the experienced youth sailor to advanced maneuvers and skills using a variety of boats.  The cost of the Youth Advanced Program is $150 for the week and participants will need transportation to and from Keene’s Lake and Gleason’s Cove and will need to bring a lunch, water, snacks and extra clothing.

Some scholarships may be available on a limited basis due to generous donations from members of the Passamaquoddy Yacht Club. “This is a really great opportunity for kids in this area to get on the water,” says Damon Weston, co-coordinator of the program.  “Growing up here, I always wished I had more opportunity to explore the ocean.  This program gives kids that opportunity.”  Passamaquoddy Yacht Club Commodore John Foster says, “The [Passamaquoddy] Yacht Club is dedicated to educating youth with sail education and has been doing so since 1998.  We’re excited about our recent push to expand our offerings and impact more youth in this area.” Program co-coordinator Scott Fraser adds, “So many generous people have contributed to this program.  Keene’s Lake Family Campground has donated the use of their facility, Chet and Serita Childs have donated the use of their camp on Indian Lake, and many yacht club members have donated money to purchase boats and a new trailer, as well as provide scholarships.  It truly is amazing how much support there is for this program.”  Washington County Community College President, Joe Cassidy, noted “WCCC is pleased to support this outstanding youth program. The Passamaquoddy Yacht Club is an excellent partner and we really enjoy working with them.”

All of the programs will be taught by trained instructors certified through US Sailing, the recognized national governing body for the sport of sailing.  Anyone interested in more information about US Sailing should visit their website at ussailing.org.

Registration and information for all of these programs is available at www.passamaquoddyyachtclub.org or by contacting youth sailing program co-coordinator Scott Fraser at Washington County Community College at 454-1031.