New Sailing School Opens in Port Washington, NY

Port Sailing School, just one-hour from midtown Manhattan via the Port Washington line of the Long Island Railroad, has adult sailing certification programs which can be conveniently completed on weekends and two-week junior sailing programs for children ages 11-16, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm.

Port Washington, NY April 2, 2004 -- Port Sailing School will begin sailing classes April 24th from Brewer Capri Marina on Orchard Beach Boulevard here. The school will offer sailing classes for both adults and children. The two-week childrens junior programs are open to ages 11-16 and begin June 21st. The Director of Port Sailing School, Chris Nihill, is a U.S. Sailing Certified Instructor and licensed Coast Guard captain with over 20 years of sailing experience. Most recently, he ran a successful sailing school in Oyster Bay. We are very happy with our facilities at Brewer Capri Marina and look forward to the start of the season. Our mission is to offer the general public the opportunity to learn to sail with a focus on boating safety and having fun, said Nihill.

Classes
Adult learn-to-sail classes are held over two consecutive weekends. Students will learn to sail a 23-ft. keel sailboat. Upon completion of the basic course, students can enjoy the sailboat rentals at Port Sailing.

The childrens junior summer programs will offer instructional classes in sailing as well as other maritime activities. Two-week Monday through Friday sessions start on June 21, July 5, July 19, August 2, August 16 and a one-week session begins on August 23rd. Port Sailing instructors are seasoned professionals with years of proven experience. Students are required to pass a swim test and must wear life jackets at all times. Student-to-instructor ratio is no more than six to one.    

Port Sailing School also teaches advanced sailing classes on larger cruising boats. In the winter months the school continues teaching adults sailing in the British Virgin Islands aboard a 50-ft. sailing yacht.

According to Nihill, the decision to open in Port Washington was threefold. The Port Washington line of the LIRR is one of the shortest distances from Manhattan where you can sail on Long Island, the natural beauty of the area, and the vibrant waterfront community. We hope to attract new boaters to Port Washington, he added.

Interested students and parents can access the school online at http://www.portsailing.com or call (516) 767-SAIL for more information. An open house to welcome community residents is scheduled for Saturday, May 1 at 11 am to 4 pm. Classroom facilities and boats are located at Brewer Capri West Marina on Orchard Beach Blvd.