LIHUE — Ever wanted to learn to sail? Here’s your chance. Kauai Sailing Association, with support of the Nawiliwili Yacht Club, is holding its “Learn to Sail” course beginning next week. “This class specifically, what our goal is to be
LIHUE — Ever wanted to learn to sail? Here’s your chance.
Kauai Sailing Association, with support of the Nawiliwili Yacht Club, is holding its “Learn to Sail” course beginning next week.
“This class specifically, what our goal is to be able to solo sail — to sail completely unassisted in a Topper sailboat,” said Shale Shore, executive director of the nonprofit Kauai Sailing Association.
“Our company runs through U.S. Sailing. We actually do a small boat certification through U.S. Sailing,” Shore added. “At the end of the course, if you perform well and you top all the milestones, we’ll give you certification for that. It’s pretty neat.”
The course spans four weekends beginning Saturday, Dec. 19. Each day begins 10 a.m. Theoretical instruction will be held at Nawiliwili Yacht Club and practical instruction will be at the Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor.
“It’s a really user-friendly course. We’re starting from the very basic and we’re building a solid foundation for future sailing,” she added. “The model we follow is that no one fails. We just allow you to keep coming back and practicing until you can master that skill.”
Those taking the course are required to pass a swimming test, which consists of three minutes of treading water and swimming 50 yards.
“This class is completely introductory beginner,” Shore said. “There’s no time on the swim. You just have to be able to do it.”
Cost is $300 per person. Shore said scholarships are available.
“Our end goal is to get as many people on the water as we can and a have a good time. We don’t want that (the fee) to be a problem for people,” Shore said.
Information: Shore, 346-6051. kauaisailing.org.
