As the winter frost begins to thaw and signs of spring emerge, the Boothbay Region Sailing Club is already gearing up for another exhilarating season on the water. Despite the recent bouts of snow and sleet, middle and high school students from the Boothbay peninsula and beyond embraced the warmer weather last week, heralding the start of their sailing adventures.

On March 18, amidst the welcome embrace of sunshine and gentle breezes, students wasted no time in dusting off their sailing gear and preparing their vessels for the season ahead. Rigging their 420 boats and unveiling coach boats from their winter wraps, they anticipated the thrills and challenges that lay ahead.

Despite the brief return of wintry weather over the weekend, the sailors remained undeterred in their enthusiasm. With their sights set on the horizon and the first regatta looming on March 30 in Portland, they are poised to make the most of every opportunity to hone their skills and prepare for competition.

Head coach and Boothbay Region High School teacher Chris Liberti extends a warm invitation to prospective team members, encouraging those who may still be undecided to join a couple of practices before making their enrollment decision.

Boats and personal equipment, including dry suits, are provided to students. The fee to participate is $300 for the entire spring season. The Boothbay Region Sailing Club is dedicated to removing barriers to entry. Financial aid is available through the Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club, ensuring that every aspiring sailor can share the fun and camaraderie.

High school sailing is not an official Boothbay Region High School team sport; it is a club. The Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club Junior Program Foundation sponsors the club which competes in two leagues. One is the New England Scholastic Sailing Association (NESSA) which includes both public and private school teams and the Pen Bay League which has teams in coastal Maine. Chris Liberti has coached the local team for nine years. He described the club as providing students with an opportunity to sail in a competitive league. “The two leagues allow our team to compete against other teams with similar skill levels,” he said. “There is a regatta almost every weekend, so our team members have many opportunities to showcase their talents.”

For more information, visit: https://www.bhyc.net/high-school-sailing