Royal Lanai Yacht Club’s First Sailing Classes Are a Hit!
Earlier this month the Royal Lanai Yacht Club (RLYC) launched its first youth sailing program hoping to garner interest from Lanai’s young community members and their families.
“Our goal is to forge a stronger relationship with Lanai residents and establish the Yacht Club as a resource and place of learning,” says Captain Jason Allen, who leads the program.
From June 6 to June 10, four sailors participated in the course, which included water safety, sailing fundamentals on dry land and deep-water sails in two Cal 20 sailboats.
Each morning the girls would spend time learning:
- The anatomy of their boats
- How to ties knots
- Other technical skills needed to sail
In between lessons, RYLC members prepared lunches for the sailors, as well as their family members who had come to watch.
In the afternoon, the girls boarded the sailboats in pairs and sailed just outside of the Manele small boat harbor with Capt. Jason providing instruction from a chase boat. The sailors were challenged to track their boats between buoys and tacking and jibing through the wind.
At the end of the week, certificates were presented to each sailor at a small graduation ceremony to commemorate their experience.
“These girls were fearless and are eager to continue sailing,” says Capt. Jason. “I encourage interested youth and their families to register for our next weeklong class that starts July 11.”
If your school-aged child is interested in sailing, please call Captain Jason Allen at 808 216-6241.
Upcoming Sailing Class
A second 40-hour sailing class will begin on July 11, Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Royal Lanai Yacht Club.
Tuition: $400 for the week, with eight partial scholarships are available for families ($200 each).
Financial Aid: To apply for financial assistance, submit a letter explaining why your child qualifies for financial aid and why he or she is interested in participating in the sailing program. Submit letters to Jason Allen at capt@sportfishinglanai.com or call at (808) 216-6241. Financial assistance is distributed based on the RLYC’s discretion.
