Westlake Yacht Club in the News

Conejo Valley Life, March 18, 2005 All Kids Welcome at Westlake Yacht Club's Summmer Sailing One of the very best things about Westlake Yacht Club (WYC) is its Summer Sailing for young sailors and sailors-to-be. Registration is now open, and judging from past years, the 160 available slots will fill quickly. Summer Sailing graduates rave about the program. Alexandra Gettings, 10, of Calabasas said "I had a great time sailing. I signed up for two weeks, but liked it so much, I stayed for four weeks." Jake Piccus, 14, of Westlake Village said "Sailing at Westlake Yacht Club is so much fun! The instructors are very friendly, and on the second day I could sail." Any child who is a good swimmer and is from 8 to 17 years old can join the fun. Since 8 year-olds are given extra attention, we must limit the number admitted. WYC welcomes participation by everyone regardless of where they live, and whether or not the kids or their parents are Club members. For those who wish to enjoy the many other great activities at WYC, summer sailors can become Junior Members for a very modest fee and their parents are welcome to become Regular Members. Previous sailing experience is not required, as classes are offered at the beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. Even youngsters who have never been on a boat before can learn to sail a boat all by themselves in only a few days, building self-confidence is a way that few other sports can match. Sailing is equally suited to both boys and girls, and both are well represented. Students learn to sail 8-foot US Sabots; they can bring their own boat or use ours. Westlake Lake is an ideal place for youngsters to learn to sail, as it is close to home and free of waves, currents and big boat traffic. We nonetheless stress water and boat safety; participants must be good swimmers and wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Each class lasts four days, Monday through Thursday, with Friday optional. Classes typically end with a celebratory Thursday evening family barbeque, where proud new sailors show off their skills to mom and dad. There will be seven classes starting on June 27 and running through August 12. Classes cost $180 each, with substantial discounts for those who bring their own boat and for the children or grandchildren of WYC Regular Members. To signup, download an application from the WYC website, and mail it with a check to Westlake Yacht Club; both addresses are listed below. We can not "hold a spot" without an application and check. For further information about Summer Sailing, call or email program director Bob Fleming at 818-707-2710 or robert_fleming@sbcglobal.net. -- Robert Piccioni, Rear Commodore