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LMSS Summer 2020: Current Update

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As announced last week, Lake Minnetonka Sailing School will open June 15 for the summer season, though some offerings will be affected by current state guidelines.

Following is our plan for classes taking place June 15 – June 26. Class offerings beginning after June 26 will be announced two weeks prior to start date.

To recap, LMSS will operate single-handed, and family-only sailing classes to ensure social distancing measures can be met by all sailors. Beginning June 15, we are able to operate:

  • Opti Race Team and Opti Learn to Race
  • Recreational Camp, age 7-9 and 10-12
  • Laser Race Team
  • X Boat Race Team (family only)
  • Sail with LMSS Membership (family only)
  • Keelboat Sailing (solo or family only)

In some cases, capacity limits may dictate adjustments to class sizes and sessions, in which case we will contact you for any class taking place between June 15 – 26. Thank you for your patience. 

Class Cancelations June 15 – 26

Due to state regulation, and/or concern for adherence to social distancing measures, we are unable to provide the following at the onset of the season (June 15 – June 26). Should this status change, we will announce plans two weeks prior to the start of new classes.

  • 420 Race Team and 420 Learn to Race
  • Recreational Camp, age 13-16
  • Little Skippers
  • X Boat Race (modified to a family-only class)

Affected participants of the above classes were emailed Friday, May 29 which included a survey feedback link to choose an option, either an alternate course selection, or refund options. If you did not see this email, please check your junk folder, and/or contact us.

Be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to LMSS newsletters for the latest updates.

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!

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!

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!