Learning how to sail develops independence and confidence. Children acquire a great sense of accomplishment from taking a boat and sailing it comfortably by themselves. Put a child in a boat alone with nature and they find out that every decision has a consequence and no one else is responsible for the result. The confidence gained, the increased independence, and the new-found reflection on the consequences of their own deeds help children to grow into accountable human beings. All these gains will show in their school's performance as well. When children rig their boats and make sure they have everything they need to be on the water, it teaches them organizational skills and responsibility. Helping peers to get ready and launching the boats into the water together teaches care and team spirit. Having to look after and take care of their boat teaches them discipline and self-responsibility. Fighting the ever-changing sea and wind teaches them to love nature.
Sailing is a great alternative to the digital world children live in today and the safe and beautiful waters of Lakewood Yacht Club is a wonderful place to learn to sail. Our instructors, who are passionate about sailing and live with the sea and the wind, taught sailing to many young people who love sailing in the past and looking forward to meeting new sailors at Lakewood Yacht Club.
We can’t wait to meet with new sailors this fall as well.
Who knows, maybe a professional sailor lies in them…
Registration Notice:
This Spring “Learn to Sail” program will be offered in two separate sessions or as one full session, and families will have the option to register for either individual session or the full program.
10 Weeks - Full Session Full Session start date: 7 March 2026 Saturday Full Session end date: 17 May 2026 Sunday Full Session member course fee: $ 410 Full Session nonmember course fee: $ 575
First 5 Weeks - 1st Session 1st Session start date: 7 March 2026 Saturday 1st Session end date: 5 April 2026 Sunday 1st Session member course fee: $ 225 1st Session nonmember course fee: $ 315
Second 5 Weeks - 2nd Session 2nd Session start date: 11 April 2026 Saturday 2nd Session end date: 17 May 2026 Sunday 2nd Session member course fee: $ 225 2nd Session nonmember course fee: $ 315
There will be no practices during Keels & Wheels Weekend (April 25 - 26)
Age groups: 6 - 12 years of age
Training schedule: Every Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 - 11:30 am
Curriculum: The curriculum includes sailing and trimming at different points of sail, rigging, and deriging, and having fun in boats.
Experience: No experience required.
Evaluation: Parents will be provided a written evaluation of your sailor’s progress at the end of the session.
Boats: Optimist boats will be used for the “Learn to Sail” program. Boats will be provided by the Lakewood Yacht Club.
Course materials:
Appropriate buoyancy aid
Sea shorts
UV-protected lycra t-shirt
Neoprene suit (Optional)
Sea shoes (plastic sole – easy dry)
Swimsuit
Hat
Suncream
Towel
Spare dry apparel
Water bottle
Sunglasses (optional)
Safety: All sailors must wear buoyancy aid during all times they are at the seaside. Our facility is a private sailing facility that is sheltered and closed for the outer entrance. All operational action plans from risk analysis to emergency plans are made and we are ready for every kind of scenario with our knowledge.
What is the next step?
Sailors who have completed the Learn to Sail program and with the coaches’ approval, are welcome to participate in the next available development program. Our coaches will make an assessment and guide you into the related program. Please reach out to our team and we will contact you when the next course dates are confirmed.
