The Pewaukee Lake Sailing School Board would like to welcome you to our 58th year of instruction in the science of sailing on Pewaukee Lake.

This course of instruction covers the principles of water safety, the theory of hulls and sail design, and teaches the principles of sailing, racing, and sportsmanship. All of this work is exclusively for educational, scientific, and charitable purposes.

The modest tuition pays most of the actual operating expenses but capital expenditures for equipment - particularly patrol boats, etc., - have been provided by donation through the generosity of friends of the Sailing School. We are hopeful that more of that generosity will prevail since we are a non-profit organization, exempt from income tax.

Three different types of boats are used for instruction. First is the International Optimist Dinghy. This boat is ideally suited for a young child's first experience in a sailboat. Its simple design and ease of handling allow beginning sailors to quickly get the "feel" of sailing. At a more advanced level these boats can be raced up to and including worldwide competition.

Optimist sailors are categorized into three groups: Beginner, Intermediate, and Racing. They meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the day with races scheduled for Monday and Wednesday evenings.

The second boat used for instruction is the Class X or Cub boat. This 16 foot, double-handed boat is generally sailed by the slightly older children or those who have outgrown the Optimist. Like the Optimist, the X boat enjoys wide popularity among many sailing clubs both locally and regionally with a full schedule of racing and regattas. X boat sailors are categorized into three groups: Beginner X, Intermediate X, and Racing X. They meet for classes on Mondays and Wednesdays with informal racing on Tuesday evenings.

The PLSS is offering 420 instruction in "clinic" form this year. These boats have been instrumental in youth and collegiate sailing around the world and they will prove to be a great asset to the sailing school and the youth of the area. This is also the boat of choice for use in our Community Sailing program.

We are looking forward to a great sailing season. We have an outstanding staff again this year. Returning are Ben Otten, Chris Banholzer, Lauren Galante, and Shannon Smith. PLSS has three new instructors - Haley Thomas, Joey Feichtmeier, and Jeff Sazama, who are excellent junior sailors able to relate well to our students. Danielle Soriano is a new addition brought in to teach a new high-end Optimist racing class called Horizon Optimist. Rebeccah Schmidt returns as our Sailing Director. She not only has managed the instructional program at the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center but also managed the sailing instructional program for UW Hoofers before that. This is a proven team and we are very pleased to have them back as they are a core of excellence.

Sailing school will start on June 11, 2012, at 9:00 am. All skippers should bring their boats on the first day. The Water Safety program will also be held on the first day of class, weather permitting.

We are continuing with our Kinder Pram class for sailors 5 & 6 years old. Classes will be held on Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Class size will be limited. To reserve your class choice return your application early, since it is first come first serve. Parents/guardians are required to participate in these classes.