Section
C
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Summer activities listings: C 2 • Classifieds: c 4-11 • Horse programs: C 14
This summer, the Northwest Maritime Center is offering a variety of sailing programs for youth and adults. Classes range from one-day, introductory programs to full certification courses and weeklong trips. File photo by Tristan Hiegler
Get out on the water this summer
Sailing, rowing and more available for kids, adults water that’s not there on the land. You’re in the moment From her office window when you’re on the water. in the Northwest Maritime You’re responsible for yourCenter (NWMC), Carolyn self,” she said. “Our health “Ace” Spragg can see the as a planet depends on the sunlight shimmering on the ocean.” waters off Point Hudson and The NWMC hosts a varithe ships gliding through ety of summer programs, Port Townsend Bay when- with options for both kids ever she looks up. and adults. Each program While planning for the helps fulfill the center’s pricenter’s slate of summer mary missions: getting peocamps and classes, Spragg ple off dry land and out on took the time to reflect on the water, and getting kids how the ocean connects peo- involved early. ple through a greater aware“That’s the whole reason ness of the natural environ- this place exists,” she said. ment and the marine trades, “Getting youth on the water while allowing people to is the best way to get adults experience something new. on the water.” “There’s a rhythm to the By Tristan Hiegler of the Leader
Youth programs
New this year is a collaborative project with the Port Townsend Marine Science Center, the Marine Science Under Sail program. Spragg said kids age 11-15 can enjoy an overnight cruise on a 26-foot sailboat while learning both boating and marine science. She said a sailing instructor and a science instructor will be aboard, which benefits the science education sides of things because it allows students to access portions of the marine environment they simply couldn’t from shore. “We’ve been trying to come up with ways to get the
marine science on the water. This is an attempt to pool our resources to the benefit of both [the NWMC’s and the Science Center’s] camp populations.” The Marine Science Under Sail program costs $250 and is scheduled for July 6-7. Several other overnight programs are planned throughout the summer, including a late July cruise to Mystery Bay for ages 11-15, July 20-21, $225. Youth age 12 and up can step aboard the schooner Martha for extended sailtraining trips to various regattas and events, starting on June 6. They can enjoy
environmental activities, kayaking and hiking while learning how to raise sails and hoist the anchor. Trips can last three to seven days, with one 13-day trip planned to the Gulf Islands and Desolation Sound in early September. Costs range from $600 to $2,000 for the extended trip. Spragg said the NWMC encourages kids to participate in the Messing About in Boats and Learn to Sail programs. She said many members of the high school sailing teams got their start in the programs and volunteer as instructors in the summer. “All of the teams
started in the youth Learn to Sail program. It’s quite a sailing legacy – we’re very proud of it,” she said. Learn to Sail starts June 24, with three-hour classes for five consecutive days. Age ranges vary from 8-12 to 10-18; classes cost $180. Rowing classes are also available from the independent Rat Island Rowing and Sculling Club. Its boats are housed at the NWMC and its programs operate out of that facility. Erica Delma, Jefferson County YMCA program director, said she joined the program after moving to the area in 2003, with the club See Sailing, Page C14▼
Jump into summer swimming at Mountain View cityofpt.us/pool.htm. People who are interested in taking a lifeguard training class can call the YMCA at 385-5811 for information and registration.
By Viviann Kuehl for the Leader
Get ready to jump in the pool this summer with a full slate of classes and activities, including synchronized swimming classes for youth and adults. In the newly refurbished Mountain View Pool at Mountain View Commons in Port Townsend, there also are more predictable options available. Open swims are scheduled, and classes for all ages are offered through the YMCA. A schedule of weekly pool activities is available at
Synchro swimming
A special six-week Synchronized Swimming for Youth class is being taught by swim instructor Rowen Matkins, head coach for Port Townsend’s synchronized swimming and comSwimmers Keira Matkins and Tanner Matthew enjoy time in the pool. The petitive swimming teams, on Mountain View Pool is offering some special classes, YMCA programs Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:30-7 p.m. Students must and open swim times this summer. Photo by Richard Wille pass a swim test at the
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LAND FOR LEARNING
be published this summer,” Matkins said. “It’s the first time curriculum will be taught from the book.” The synchro class is offered at a session price, not a punch card or drop-in price; call the Y for more information. For adults, Matkins is teaching classes designed to meet particular needs. She also offers private swim lessons for adults and children at any level, and one-on-one rehab sessions or exercise for those with physical limitations, all through the YMCA. See POOL, Page C14▼
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Sunfield
equivalent of the Red Cross’ level four, but age is not a factor. Synchronized swimming combines elements of dance, gymnastics and swimming to create a breathtakingly beautiful sport, said Matkins. This youth class focuses on artistry and choreography, flexibility and good basic swimming techniques as well as synchronized swimming skills. “One of the really exciting pieces about this course is I will be premiering Simply Synchro by Lynn Hovde and Nancy Speser, a book to
is June 24th - 28th 9 a.m. - noon
Ages 3 through Fifth Grade
Crafts, Games, Snacks, Music and More!! To register: www.sunfieldfarm.org or 360-385-3658
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF PORT TOWNSEND 1111 Franklin Street • 385-2525 fpcpt.org
firstpres@cablespeed.com