Monday begins a new season of sailing instruction by the Little Washington Sailing Club, which has more than proven itself an asset to Washington.
As it enhances its reputation, it is enhancing its summer-instructional program by adding an advanced class. The one-week, day-long advanced session was added in response to feedback from sailing students and their parents. A one-week, day-long session for beginning sailors is on the schedule.
Those sessions are in addition to the regular two-week, half-day sessions that have been the mainstay of the program since it began three years ago. The club’s mission is to provide a sailing program for youth that encourages them to enjoy recreational sailing along the city’s waterfront and Pamlico River. The program is designed to promote self-reliance, teamwork, safety awareness, sportsmanship and self-confidence.
It’s working … and working well.
During its 2010 instructional season, the club saw 48 students learn the basics of sailing, with that experience taking place in Washington’s harbor. What a sight to see when the club’s six sailboats are navigating the Pamlico River.
The Little Washington Sailing Club, thanks to its private and corporate friends, offers scholarships to children who otherwise could not afford to sign up for sailing lessons. Area residents, businesses and civic clubs should consider providing funds to boost that scholarship program.
As we’ve said before, those who invest in the Little Washington Sailing Club and investing in the community and its children.
That’s a course on which all of us should set sail.