HOULTON, Maine — Have you ever wanted to try sailing but did not know how to begin? Now is your chance. The Houlton/Hodgdon Adult and Community Education (HHACE) program will offer an Introduction to Sailing course in August.
The course will include two hours of classroom time and four hours of sailing on East Grand Lake.
“I have always wanted to get a course going for sailing,” stated HHACE Director Joe Fagnant. “I sail, and am a part of Peter’s Cove Yacht Club. I know there are people interested in sailing, but just may not know how it all works. This course is designed for people with no experience that just want to try something new.”
Fagnant first started sailing after he moved to Houlton in 1993, when he was invited to sail by music colleague Paul LaPointe.
“We have been sailing together for a long time, and also enjoy the rivalry of racing against each other,” reflected LaPointe. LaPointe and Fagnant will be the two instructors for this hands-on course.
“This course is designed to be fun, friendly, and allow people to get a feel of what it is like to move a boat around under wind power. Many times people think it is too expensive of a sport or just do not now how to get involved. We can get you started in a very relaxed and safe manner,” said LaPointe.
LaPointe is a certified instructor through US Sailing. Fagnant and LaPointe will combine their years of sailing to teach students learn how a boat moves, understand what techniques to use, be safe, and also how to work together as a team.
The course will begin Tuesday, Aug. 7, at 5 p.m., or participants can choose to start Tuesday, Aug. 8, at 1 p.m. The first class will take place at the Houlton Higher Education Center. All materials will be provided.
Flexible sailing days and times have been created from Aug. 23-30, with various meeting times. Weather will also determine sailing times.
The cost is $60 per person, or $100 for two registered sailing partners.
Participants must register through HHACE by calling 521-3100, ext. 5, or online at www.rsu29-70.maineadulted.org. Email joe.fagnant@rsu29.org with questions. Course information is also online and on Facebook.
