The Singles only Sailing Club - encouraging new sailors

by Barbara Thomas/Sail-World Cruising on 26 Apr 2013 Yacht Clubs are always dreaming up ideas to encourage new sailors who may be intimidated by the idea of sailing boats that tip and just might tip over - here's a great idea, used by the Shoreline Sailing Club, sailing on Long Island Sound. The Shorline Sailing Club is geared for singles 35 and older, held regularly throughout the sailing season.

Club members enjoy daytime as well as sunset sails on Long Island Sound, which occur on Friday nights. Of course, it's not only sailing they engage in, but other watersports as well. Other water sports members engage in include kayaking, motor boating and fishing. The club has 300 members from around the state, with about 50 members owning boats.

'You don't have to own a boat to join,' said member Janina Cummings of Simsbury, who serves on the publicity committee. 'Other club members can help the captains (skippers) during the sails.'

Boating novices are welcome to join, she said, and are encouraged to learn from the experienced skippers.

'For those who love the water, the club offers a way to meet many people who have that in common,' she said.

'We encourage singles who want to take part in sailing to join our club,' said Commodore Norbert Church, a New Haven attorney.

'Sailing is great for people looking to de-stress on weekends - it's how I unwind,' said Cummings, the owner of a business called Shear Artistry Day Spa and Salon.

The club also offers a variety of social and recreational activities such as trips, dances, hiking, theater events, dinners, brunches and an annual outing for newcomers.

Members pay annual dues plus event fees, and the guest fee for attending a meeting is $10.

For more information to find out how the system works, visit http://www.shorelinesailingclub.com.