Ahoy Mateys!

After our success engaging island youth in sailing adventures aboard Captain Corey Feldon's sailboat in 2022, AIPRD is beginning to build a hands-on Youth Sailing Program to further sailing skills for island youth!

Corey and commissioner Lane Sample are in the process of defining and building this program, with the intention of a 2025 launch. Below is information on current efforts and how you can help.

Program Snapshot

PHASE: Building the program

EXPECTED LAUNCH: Summer 2025

PROGRAM CONTACT:

Corey Feldon &

Commissioner Lane Sample, sailing@andersonislandparks.org

The Program

Sailing Safety & Instruction for kids 7-18

We are still in the early planning stages of what the program will encompass, knowing we will start small and hopefully grow over time.

Generally speaking, kids will receive sailing instruction both on shore and in the water. We will partner with the Riviera Community Club to have access to Florence Lake, where young sailors will practice skills in one-person, one-design sailing dinghies called Bytes. These boats are design for individuals under 120-145 lbs and perfect for young sailors to lift, rig and sail.

When in the water, each session group will have one instructor and a rescue boat operator who will be with them at all times.

Building the Program

Supported and Inspired by Area Youth Sailing Programs

Many yacht clubs in the Puget Sound have established youth sailing programs, so we have plenty of experience to draw from. Jeff Chale from the Vashon Island sailing program has been an invaluable resource, sharing details of how their program runs and its humble beginnings. He also arranged a great deal for us to purchase the start of our fleet from the Vashon programs retired boats.

Boat Acquisition and Maintenance

A growing volunteer pool of islanders have stepped up to help us establish our fleet! We've acquired the boats, assessed their condition and maintenance needs, begun to make improvements and working to acquire support equipment, like a trailer.

Looking for Volunteers!

This program will only succeed with support from the community. Already, we've had a great response to helping us with the fleet side. We will also need volunteers to be instructors and help with administrative tasks, like communication, scheduling and session supervision/support. Please email sailing@andersonislandparks.org if you'd like to help get this program off the ground.

CURRENTLY NEEDED

Chase Boat

First Wave of Instructors

A chase boat that can safely hold 2 adults will be essential to our program. Since sailing will happen on Florence Lake, the boat will need to be powered by electricity or be a sleek boat with volunteer rowers. Contact sailing@andersonislandparks.org if you think you can help!

First Wave of Instructors

Corey is compiling a list for the first instructor certification class. If you are interested and meet the qualifications below, contact him at 360.489.7476 or sailing@andersonislandparks.org

Sailing Instructor CERTIFICATION

The projected minimum cost for instructors will be $550. AIPRD will reimburse these expenses, unless the individual wants to donate that amount back to the parks.

All instructors will go through the following certification process:

U.S. Sailing Level 1 Instructor Course (ages 16+)

Online self-guided portion $130 per candidate
Teaching & Coaching Fundamentals (online) $10
SafeSport Training (online Sexual Misconduct & Reporting Training) FREE
In person 3 day portion $325 per candidate

REQUIREMENTS TO COMPLETE THIS COURSE:

Requires a paid membership to “U.S. Sailing” (Family $129, Individual $79, College $120 /4 yr, Youth $39.) There are also Service Member & First Responder discounts.
Requires experience sailing on dinghies and/or day sailing keelboats.
Requires the ability to swim 25 yards with a life jacket.

More information, including cost, for this course can be found by clicking this link

CPR / FIRST AID / AEDs

These certifications will be required of all instructors. We should be able to do this through Anderson Island Fire & Rescue.

Additional Courses Down the Road

“Safe Powerboat Handling” Course
Olympia Community Sailing offers a “Junior Instructor Program” for ages 14-16

Anderson Island Park & Recreation District

Ahoy Mateys!

Program Snapshot

Want to Help?

Contact US To Volunteer

The Program

Sailing Safety & Instruction for kids 7-18

Building the Program

Supported and Inspired by Area Youth Sailing Programs

Boat Acquisition and Maintenance

Looking for Volunteers!

CURRENTLY NEEDED

Chase Boat

First Wave of Instructors

First Wave of Instructors

First Wave of Instructors

First Wave of Instructors

First Wave of Instructors

Sailing Instructor CERTIFICATION

U.S. Sailing Level 1 Instructor Course (ages 16+)

CPR / FIRST AID / AEDs

Additional Courses Down the Road

Frequently Asked Questions