OSWEGO, NY – The H. Lee White Museum and Maritime Center are offering a variety of youth and adult sailing classes to help community members learn to enjoy our amazing waterfront.
The classes will run through June, July and August and cover a variety of skill levels. They are instructed by a U.S. Sailing Association certified instructor.
This program has a long history of teaching water safety and boat handling to those 9 years old and up and is an excellent way to make people feel comfortable around boats and the water.
Introduction to Youth Community Boating will be offered July 1-2 and July 22-23 sessions. This introductory five- hour, two-day course focuses on boating and personal water safety and serves to help students determine their interest in pursuing additional instruction.
Students learn sailing fundamentals, safe boat handling and basic water survival. Youth, ages 9-17 who have not previously participated are qualified to sign up for this.
A $10 commitment fee is refundable upon completion of the course or applicable toward course fees for additional instruction. The YCB classes are sponsored by Stewarts Shops.
Youth Community Sailing – Learn to Sail will be offered July 8 – Aug 15. This is a ten-hour course completed over a four-day period.
Designed to “waterproof our youth,” these classes are also for ages 9-17. Small class size ensures a positive and safe learning experience.
This program teaches basic sailing skills that translate into everyday life and has served as a model for other community sailing programs. Students learn to face challenges, overcome obstacles and develop confidence.
Students will learn sailing fundamentals, safe boat handling and water survival. All students practice floating fully clothed and the wearing of a personal floatation device, boating safety techniques, capsize survival and recovery, hypothermia prevention and emergency signals.
The cost is $60/student.
Red Book / Small Boat Sailor is offered July 29 – Aug 22. This US Sailing course is designed for students who have completed the Youth Community Boating Course. Each student learns to sail solo in this 10-hour course and works toward mastering 27 sailing skills including rigging, knots and the rules of the road. (A student is not expected to master all 27 skill areas during just one course).
The fee is $70/student.
For those who are unsure of try a “Sample Sail.”
This offers a chance for people of all ages to get out on the water to see what it is like. These sessions are arranged by appointment June 10- Aug. 22 and is $20/person/hour.
“Our goal is to offer course opportunities for anyone to feel comfortable participating in recreational activities in our waterways,” said Mercedes Niess, HLWM and Maritime Center executive director.
Information on Adult Basic Sailing, Adult Redbook, Family Community Sail and Couple Sailing classes is available by calling the museum or checking the website.
To RSVP and to prepay contact the museum at 315-342-0480 or [email protected]
Also check hleewhitemarinemuseum.com or facebook.com/hlwmm for other programming and events.
