Sandpoint sailing scene bustling with activities

SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint Sailing Association (SSA) and Sandpoint Parks and Rec are pleased to announce a series of educational sailing classes. All classes are free and open to the public, and will take place at the Sandpoint Community Hall on First Ave, and are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

n Feb. 6, 2010: Sail Trim and Racing Tactics — Pete Sauer, of Sail Montana, draws from his extensive racing experience to teach sail trim and racing tactics. This workshop is for intermediate level sailors.

n March 6, 2010: Racing Rules for Sailing — Bruce Robertson will lead discussion and exercises on the ‘09 - ‘12 Racing Rules and protest     process. This workshop if for intermediate level sailors. Please bring a current rule book.

n April 10 2010: Race Management — Keith Sheckler will lead discussion and practice for running a sailboat race committee and race management. Come try out the new race timer. This workshop is for all sailing skill levels.

n May 8, 2010: New Sailor Workshop — Bruce Robertson will lead a half-day workshop that introduces basic sailing skills and terminology. The goal is to make entry level sailors more comfortable around sailboats and give     them a chance to meet and work with some local sailing enthusiasts. For all sailing skill levels.

For more information, contact Bruce Robertson at (208) 263-3613.

n SSA to host J-24 District races this summer

The Sandpoint Sailing Association (SSA) is pleased to announce the hosting of the J-24 District races in Sandpoint this July 24-25 on Lake Pend Oreille. The SSA has the J-24 Fleet No. 174. This is the fastest growing fleet in the NW. This event will pull sailors and their J-24 boats from all around the greater Northwest region.

This is a premier sailing event where the boats are all equal, so it puts sailor against sailor. More details will be following in the next couple of months. We are looking for volunteers for events and crew members. We are also looking forward to meeting new friends and seeing old ones during this event. So mark your calendar now.

 For more information visit “www.sandpointsailing.com” or contact George Kiselica at (208) 255-9439.