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Community Corner

Wet Pants Sailing Gives Back to Community

The love of sailing extends beyond the water.

Members of the Wet Pants Sailing Association (WPSA) not only get to do what they love most – sailing – but membership also includes  social activities, including seminars, sailing events, regattas, as well as fundraising events designed to give back to the community.

WPSA is designed to promote the sport of sailing, sailboat racing and sailing knowledge in an affordable and relaxed atmosphere. According to the website, memberships are open to all who would like to enjoy sailing to its fullest. Other benefits of membership include sailing lessons and drysail space (for a fee).

"Though Wet Pants has evolved over the last 76 years, the idea of affordable sailing and having a good time on the Bay has not changed," said Charlie Huberman of Wet Pants Sailing Association. "You don't need your own sailboat to come down and join. Dues are affordable, but we do ask that you be active."

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WPSA operates as a co-op type program. Members are asked to volunteer their time based on their interests and talents. For example, members can choose to be part of the racing/regatta committees, work on maintenance, get involved with the social activities, volunteer for junior activities, such as pancake breakfasts and hot dog sales, or donate their time to general office duties.  The cooperative nature of the club expects all its members to participate in activities to contribute to its success.  

The goal of the organization is to allow the community to access the waters of the Great South Bay, while also providing instructional opportunities for children and adults. WSPA consists of approximately 200 families in Sayville and the surrounding communities. With 15 to 20 instructors on staff, the sailing school has close to 150 children and 20 adult students every year. Eighteen WPSA-owned sailboats and three power boats operate the sailing school. Board maintenance is done by members of a volunteer basis through the adopt a boat program.

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Sailing lessons are offered for children, ages 9 and up, and adults of all skill levels. Children's lessons run Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday, starting at 8 a.m. for beginners and continuing throughout the day based on skill and experience. Lessons also include voluntary participation in "FridayFun" sailing activities. On Fridays the more advanced sailors participate at "Junior Regattas" held at various other clubs on the Great South Bay. Adult lessons take place Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6-8 p.m. Prices begin at $400 (plus membership fee) for 16 two-hour lessons.

The association holds various sailing clinics, seminars and regattas throughout the year. The organization's website has an extensive calendar of events.

WPSA is consistently involved in fundraising events to help give back to the community. During the spring, WPSA members donated 30 bicycles and more than $400 to Pedals For Progress, which sends bikes to developing countries to provide pollution-free transportation. Other events include a blood drive, a special education class day, CPR classes, clothing drives and more. WPSA's biggest event of the year, its annual clambake and BBQ, is just around the corner. It will be held on Saturday, July 31 at the Maritime Museum in West Sayville. The doors open at 3 p.m. and the event will feature live bands, raffles and plenty of food and beverage.

This year's blood drive is set for Tuesday, July 27 at Wet Pants Sailing at the end of Foster Avenue. Donors will receive a free car wash and free food. Click here for more information. The association is trying to beat last year's total of 41 pints donated so stop down and help them reach their goal.

For more information, or to find out how to become a member, visit www.wetpantssailing.org.

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