LMSS May Update

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Last week we received what we find to be promising news from Governor Tim Walz regarding the upcoming sailing season. There’s no doubt this summer will look and feel different from usual. As we digest how the most recent order impacts the sailing community, we want to keep you informed regarding our programs and how we plan to adapt operations this summer.

What remains unchanged is our commitment to the safety of our sailors, staff and community, which has, and will always be our top priority.

We hope to see you soon!

LMSS Safety Policy Update

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As we await governance on the upcoming summer sailing season, we want to keep you informed of any updates regarding our programs and how we plan to adapt operations at LMSS this summer. LMSS has redesigned all of our activities with a focus on structured social distancing, hygiene and sanitization, and personal protection. As always, the safety of our sailors, staff and community remains our top priority. In addition, we have partnered with the Minnetonka Yacht Club (MYC) to limit the number of people on Lighthouse Island.

We’ve drafted an LMSS Updated Safety Policy, based on recommendations from local and national government authorities, and our peer associations and partners. This summer, our sailing community will be seeing changes including:

  • Six-foot radius delineation created for shuttle docks, pontoon shuttles and all on-island activities including chalk talk instruction
  • Minimized touch points on all LMSS facilities including dock areas, transportation, equipment and surfaces
  • Hand washing and hand sanitizing stations added at shuttle pick-up and drop-off points as well as throughout the island
  • Buff or similar facial protection required for indoor common spaces and anytime a sailor is within a six-foot radius of another person
  • Further advanced notice of class cancellation due to impending inclement weather
  • Advanced training for all LMSS staff on CDC and Minnesota Department of Health guidelines as well as LMSS COVID-safe coaching requirements

With all the above mitigations in place, each sailor, parent and instructor play a critical role. Please review our LMSS Updated Safety Policy, which will continuously be reinforced and shared with participants for adherence prior to the start of each session.

Registration is still open! Thanks to all who have committed to keeping your registration intact at this time. We have not yet canceled or modified any sessions at this time, and will alert you if and when that happens in the weeks prior to affected dates (see our updated refund policy). To review options and register, please visit our home page.

We hope to see you soon!

New! Between Two Buoys LIVE Event Series

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Announcing! “Between Two Buoys” is a new interview series featuring elite sailors from around the world, hosted by LMSS partners and supporters.

Tune in this week on Thursday, May 7 at 6:30CST for an interview with Taylor Canfield, World Match Race Tour champion, hosted by Sam Rogers. Simply join with this link to attend, to be broadcast live on YouTube.


LMSS Late April Update

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Last week, Governor Tim Walz announced Minnesota schools would not return to in-person learning for the remainder of the school year. Despite this news, we continue to be hopeful as we await governance on the upcoming summer sailing season.

There is no doubt all camps will be affected by the Coronavirus in some form — rest assured the safety of our sailors, staff and community has always been our top priority. We remain committed to ensuring a safe environment that enables all sailors to continue to grow their knowledge and love of sailing and the outdoors.

In the meantime, we want to share the following updates:

  • The LMSS Board of Directors has been busy helping us navigate the impact of state and local governance on COVID-19, and its potential impact to our offerings, operations and logistics, and financial health, to name a few. For this support, we are truly grateful.
  • Our staff continues to review and develop overall safety measures, including modifications to instructor and camper training, accountability and compliance.
  • Every LMSS facility and asset is under scrutiny with regard to sanitization and hygiene, personal protection and and social distancing potential.
  • LMSS Coaches continue to provide weekly virtual training for 30+ middle and high school aged sailors
  • In March, we chose to support ICA Food Shelf in Minnetonka, and continue to request your financial donations in order to supply food and essential items for our neighbors in need. Please consider a donation of any amount and donate today.

Registration is still open! Thank all who have committed to keeping your registration intact at this time. We have not yet canceled or modified any sessions and will alert you if, and when that happens, in the weeks prior to affected dates (see our updated refund policy). To review options and register, please visit our home page.

We hope to see you soon!

Limited Edition LMSS Watercolor Print

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Name Your Price LMSS Opti Watercolor Print

Want to support your favorite local sailing school in uncertain financial times? Your donation will be rewarded with a limited edition 5×7″ Opti watercolor print by local artist Chrissy Johnson of 213 Water, based on an aerial photograph by Steve Bernstein. With only 20 prints made, they are sure to go fast! Additional styles may be added in the future.

> Click to secure your print and for details; use code “donation” at checkout to get free shipping.

LMSS Zoom Backgrounds

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We’ve made LMSS-themed Zoom backgrounds to use on your next video conference call, remote learning or video chat! Thanks to our talented photographers Alec McKee and Steve Bernstein.

While you’re at it, check out more pics in the newly published book “Above Lake Minnetonka” featuring drone photos of our lake.

LMSS Summer 2020 and COVID-19 Update

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Planning is well underway for Summer 2020 at Lake Minnetonka Sailing School. We anticipate – and remain hopeful – for another fantastic season. 
 
As you know, COVID-19 is impacting youth programming around the country, and the world. LMSS is committed to our current schedule of sessions and camps, and looks forward to welcoming new and returning students to Lighthouse Island on June 15.

The safety of our students, staff and volunteers will always be our top priority, and we are taking this very seriously as we continue the planning process and prepare our facility.

For now, we encourage you to proceed with summer registration as planned. We will continue to monitor the recommendations and impact of local and national health authorities throughout the spring, and remain optimistic about the upcoming season.

Updates

  • Registration is ongoing for all recreational camps, Learn to Race programs, and Race Teams
  • The newly-launched Keelboat Program for adult and family sailing lessons is live with evening availability throughout the entire summer
  • Though spring high school sailing district qualifiers and national events have been canceled by the Interscholastic Sailing Association (ISSA),* our season continues via virtual dry land practice, online learning and virtual regattas. Nearly 30 students participated in our first virtual event! 

Thank you for your support, stay safe, and let’s look forward to another great summer of sailing!

ICA Food Shelf Drive

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Click to donate today

LMSS would like to support our community in this time of uncertainty — we’ve chosen to support ICA Food Shelf in Minnetonka, and the best way to help right now is to donate financially.

For every dollar you donate, ICA is able to purchase up to 10 times the amount of food as an agency vs. as an individual. As they prepare to provide more canned food to our neighbors in need, they also anticipate an increased need in services for rent and utilities assistance. At this time financial donations are vital.

Please join us! Click to donate today.

Ready, Set, Race!

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It may be February, but racing season never feels far away at LMSS. As a top provider of race instruction in the Midwest, our LMSS Race Teams continue to be among the most competitive in the region, and 2019 was no exception:

  • Over 75 students participated in race teams in the Opti, 420 and X Boat
  • Students raced in local and regional regattas including the TCYS (Twin Cities Youth Sailing) series, US Sailing Junior Olympics, and ILYA (Inland Lake Yachting Association) Championships on Lake Minnetonka and White Bear Lake
  • Students also traveled to events in Lake Geneva, Milwaukee and Lac La Belle, WI, and most recently, St. Petersburg, Florida!

As we gear up for another exciting racing season, we are thrilled to continue supporting our students as they reach for big dreams.

Are you ready to take the next step and give racing a try? Read our February Newsletter for all the info you need on LMSS race sessions and programs.

New sailors and families welcome! If you are interested in joining LMSS Learn to Race, or a Race Team, or have questions regarding placement please contact us.

Learn to Race + Race Teams Q&A Sessions

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LMSS has a long history of providing top end racing instruction and performance for our sailors who are looking to achieve their goals and compete on local, regional and national levels. 

What’s next for your sailor? Our program is organized into three progressive tracks, each one building upon the track before it: Recreational Sailing, Learn to Race, and LMSS Race Teams. Sailors are encouraged to advance through these tracks as their skills improve.

Are you ready to take the next step and give racing a try? Join us to learn more about LMSS Race Teams: 

  • Stop by the Caribou Coffee on Minnetonka Boulevard and 101 either Wednesday, Feb 19 or Thursday, Feb 20 from 3:30-5:30 PM either day, as your schedule permits
  • Coaches will be available to answer questions and provide information on expectations, schedules, travel opportunities, registration and more
  • New sailors and families welcome!

If you are unable to attend, and are interested in joining LMSS Learn to Race, or a Race Team, or have questions regarding placement please contact us.