YOUTHS IN the Northport Sailing School prepare to go around a buoy in a recent class. The Northport Youth Sailing School (NYSS) will begin its fourth year of classes on July 9. The NYSS has added a fifth week of instruction for the 2012 season. Between 150-170 students are expected for the upcoming season.

Class sessions are one week in length and are either morning or afternoon. Children aged 8 to 16 are eligible.

The goal of the sailing classes is for each child to have positive early experiences on the water while sailing. The primary goals are building confidence, ensuring safety, demonstrating respect, courtesy toward others, and developing good teamwork.

During the one-week session, novice sailors learn basic nomenclature, seamanship and sailing skills. Fun sailing games and other skill-related activities are incorporated into the course. Upon completion of the course, students should feel comfortable sailing alone in an Optimist dingy.

CLASSES at the Northport Sailing School, which begin July 9, are available for all levels of sailing interests. Last year’s instructors have all signed on for another season. Lead instructor Dustin Webb will handle the beginner’s classes, Delvon Napier will teach the intermediate classes, and Becca Halstedt will be the advanced sailing instructor. All instructors are USA Sailing certified and have extensive personal sailing experience.

The school has expanded its fleet of boats to 13 Optis, five Laser Picos, and two Lasers.

The fleet sails off South Beach near the Northport Marina. Classroom sessions are held at the Sailing School (east end of the Visitor Center) and at the Boathouse on South Beach.

Each weekly session ends with a family picnic and regatta on Friday evening.

Class fees are $115 per week. There are scholarships available for Leelanau Township residents. Several sessions are already filled so students are encouraged to register as soon as possible.

Many students register for multiple weeks and twice-daily sessions.

For more information, visit NorthportSailing.org or call Donna Chapman at 386-7401 (dchap_ 99@yahoo.com).