Sailing coach Gray Ferris will be heading up the Boothbay Sea and Science Center's new keelboat sailing programs for area pre-teens and teens. Ferris was the former Sailing Director of the BHYC Junior Opti and 420 Programs.

Ferris began sailing 12 years ago as a participant in the Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club’s Junior Sailing Program, where he achieved top 10 finishes in the Junior Olympic and Maine State Opti events.

He also raced 420s both in New England in the Washington, D.C. area as a member of the University of New Hampshire Sailing Team, and is a certified US Sailing Level 2 Coach.

It is the mission of BSSC to make access to sailing and other waterfront activities accessible for all area youth, regardless of income. Need-based scholarships may be available; families can request a financial aid application to see if they qualify.

Donations are being accepted by the Boothbay Sea and Science Center to help defray the cost for youngsters who have an interest in learning to sail, but whose families may not have the means.

Teen sailing

The BSSC will offer keelboat sailing programs for teens and adults this summer aboard a 23-foot Sonar, a fun and safe day sailer that can seat up to 8. The program is suitable for experienced centerboard sailors aged 10 and up who are ready to move up to fixed-keel, as well as to beginners who would feel more comfortable in a larger, yet easy-to-learn vessel.

Participants will learn basic safety and seamanship, husbandry, terminology, winds, sail trim and helming, VHF radio operation and team work, and “green” seamanship and stewardship practices. Over time, students will perfect boat handling skills as well increase their knowledge of weather observation and forecasting, understanding tides and currents, piloting and navigation and rules of the road.

They will build understanding of the hydrodynamics and aerodynamics that make a sail boat perform optimally, and be introduced to spinnakers and racing. They will also participate in coaching and teaching, thereby developing their leadership abilities.

For enrollment information, visit www.boothbayseaandsciencecenter.org.

The Sonar is an ideal boat for beginning sailors and racers, and with minor adaptations it may be used by disabled sailors. As the fleet is expanded, the BSSC plans to offer programs specifically designed for “Wounded Warriors” and the differently-abled.

Youth sailing

The BSSC will also offer an introduction to sailing program for youngsters aged 5-7 years. This “Mizzen” Program, named after the smallest of sails, is designed to introduce very young students to the maritime environment and to develop their confidence around boats while they learn respect for the sea.

A variety of fun learning activities will teach basic safety, parts of the boat, sailing terminology and basic principles, communication, and team work.  Students will feel comfortable being in a variety of boats including row boats, small sailboats, and large sailing vessels. This will serve as a valuable prerequisite or preparatory class to other learn-to-sail programs in the area.

BSSC is presently considering two centerboard vessel types for the Mizzen Program: The Optimist or “Opti” and the Turnabout.

Private Lessons and Crewed Charters may be available Saturday and Sunday, or midweek when schedules and resources permit. Advanced reservations are required, so please call 207-350-5357 or email  info@boothbayseaandsciencecenter.org to inquire about availability and cost.

A local donor has offered to help fund the building of the fleet, so the hunt for available equipment is presently underway. Anyone who knows of the availability of Sonars, Optis, or Turnabouts in the Northeast is encouraged to contact BSSC Board Member and Co-Founder Pauline Dion at info@boothbayseaandsciencecenter.org.