In 2021, the Shelburne Sailing Academy at SHYC initiated Women on Water, a 2.5 day weekend Learn-to-Sail event as part of our Adult LTS program. The 2021 Women on Water was such a success, we decided to adapt this approach to all our adult learn-to-sail efforts. Now Weekend Adult Learn to Sail will be our format going forward, consisting of a Women on Water weekend and a second co-educational version. (See 2023 Program Registration for this year’s dates.)
Beginning with a Friday evening on-shore orientation, the weekend long sailing intensive features each student paired with a CANSail certified instructor or one of our SHYC member volunteers – each an accomplished dinghy sailor/athlete themselves.
Students learn basic sheeting, steering, and boat handling on all points of sail, while also learning how to adjust their bodies and boats for changes in direction and wind speed while sailing. As such, sailors can then sail safely within defined boundaries set by an instructor and perform boat-handling maneuvers in a controlled manner.
Once qualified, for a modest one-time Equipment Use Fee of $30, members can make use of the Academy Albacore fleet as available all season. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy all the joy and excitement of sailing at SHYC.
Many thanks to the SA staff, and SHYC member volunteers, Henry Pedro, James Stanley and Julie Stewart, Guy Tipton, Ollie Tipton, Nick Williams, Amanda Pedro, and Ed Trevors. Additional thanks to Sailing Director, Ed Trevors for initiating the inaugural WoW event and Maya Trevors for volunteering on the administration side.