Washington County Community College partners with Passamaquoddy Yacht Club

Interested in learning to sail? The Passamaquoddy Yacht Club and Washington County Community College have once again partnered to offer 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 18-22.  The second week is at Keene’s Lake in Calais from July 25-29.  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 August 1-5.  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 15-19 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 high performance racing 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 donations from the Passamaquoddy Yacht Club. “WCCC is pleased to continue our partnership with the Passamaquoddy Yacht Club.  These sailing programs help young people build skill and confidence, while enjoying the beautiful natural setting we all enjoy in Downeast Maine”, said Joe Cassidy, WCCC President.

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/school or by contacting Scott Fraser at 454-1031.