There’s a sea change occurring with the Little Washington Sailing School.
That change means nothing except good news for the school and the city, according to Dot Moate, a spokeswoman for the Little Washington Sailing School. Moate discussed the school during the City Council’s meeting Monday.
“2013 was great, but 2014 will be even better,” Moate said.
The school taught more than 100 students this past summer in a series of sailing classes for beginning sailors and more-advanced sailors, Moate said. The school wants to teach at least 120 students during the 2014 summer sessions.
As city leaders mull the future of Washington’s waterfront, school officials are closely observing the issue. The city is looking at changing how the city docks are managed.
“We hope that what they do to the waterfront does not interfere with the sailing school,” Moate said.
The school is receiving support from the community, Moate told the council and mayor. Pacific Seacraft, based in Washington, helped the school refurbish it fleet of 14-foot-long Vanguard sailboats, Moate noted. The Beaufort County Police Activities League provided scholarships so 13 children could attend this summer’s sailing classes. The school uses scholarships to pay the way for students —who otherwise probably could not afford the classes — to attend classes.
“That’s something we hope to continue next year,” Moate said. “We’re encouraging more scholarships and more involvement with PAL.”
Moate also introduced Ann Kumins, the school’s new director.
Kumins, originally from Burlington, grew up sailing on lakes. Two years ago, Kumins moved from Annapolis, Md., to Washington. While in Annapolis, Kumins was active in that area’s sailing community, Moate said.
“Washington has the same draw as Annapolis with the waterfront,” Kumins said.
The school plans to increase the number of beginners’ classes and reduce the number of advanced classes in 2014.