The Little Washington Sailing School, in its sixth year, kicks off the new season with a new lead instructor.

According to a press release, LWSS has hired Zac Mathews, for its 2014 program. Mathews boasts eight years of experience at the Beaufort Junior Sailing Program in Beaufort, five of them as head instructor.

“We are excited to have Zac onboard with us this year,” said Jules Norwood, a member of the Steering Committee for LWSS. “We also have a second paid instructor for the first time this year. It’s our sixth season and we have been teaching sailing to more and more kids each year. I just love being able to see those little white sails scooting around out there along the waterfront.”

Mathews come to LWSS with glowing references from his former supervisor, Brent Creelman, at the Junior Sailing Program. He has broad experience with many different boats, including Vanguards, Fj’s, 420’s and a half dozen others. He is presently an instructor of mathematics at Beaufort County Community College in the off-season. Joining Mathews will be a second full-time instructor. Both are U.S. Sailing Association certified instructors.

“I think we were just lucky,” said George Fields, public relations coordinator for LWSS. “Zac has gotten a job over at Beaufort County Community College as an instructor in mathematics. Because of his background he said, ‘Wow, here I am in Washington. I understand they have a sailing school and maybe they need an instructor.’ Our previous instructor had just graduated from college and was leaving the area so we were lucky that Zac arrived just when we needed him.”

According to the press release, the 2014 schedule is set with the Sail Off date of June 9. A new class is offered each Monday through Aug. 11, with one class offered in the fall. Classes are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with an hour lunch break. Participants are asked to sign up early if they desire a particular date. Some people were disappointed in 2013 because they waited too long and the classes on the dates they wanted were full, the release said.

“The reason it is important to sign up when you want to be there is because,

especially kids from out of town that are only here for one or two weeks, you’re going to miss it,” Fields said. “If you’re from here and you’re going to be going away during the summer and you want to make sure you get in the sailing course, it is important that you sign up for the week you want.”

LWSS has six 14-foot Vanguard 420 sailboats, according to the release. These sailboats accommodate two students each, so when 12 are signed up the week is full. Besides learning to sail, students are encouraged to work together. Students learn to launch and retrieve a boat and the ins and outs of rigging and knots. Students think the most fun is when they jump into the water and learn to right the boat.

“They have a good time,” laughed Norwood. “Part of what they do is capsize and recover those little dinghies since they are little sailboats that can blow over. The kids need to know how to get them upright again and that is one of the first things that they do. Of course, that means going into the water and they love it. They spend the rest of the week wanting to do capsize drills.”

The graduates come from many schools in the area, but some come from other parts of the country as grandparents, aunts and uncles sign them up for an exciting week on the Pamlico, according to the release. While the requirements for 2014 are simple, some have changed from previous years. Students must be 11 through 18 years old, must weigh at least 70 pounds and be able to swim proficiently. The cost is $225 with some scholarships available.

For full information, download an application and get registered by visiting www.littlewashingtonsailingschool.org or facebook.com/LittleWashingtonSailingSchool. Applications are available at the Washington Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce at the corner of South Market Street and Stewart Parkway in Washington and should be submitted promptly since many of the early slots are taken quickly. Phone inquires to 252-945-4030.