On the Water
Life on Lake Washington
Sailing
Opportunities for new & experienced sailors
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Monday Night Racing takes place throughout the summer, with races beginning at 7:00 PM. Whether you're an experienced racer or looking to get involved for the first time, all are welcome.
Don't have your own boat? LBC's V-15s, Lasers, and Quest are available to use, and crewing opportunities are a great way to learn the ropes and meet fellow sailors. Come out for a fun, friendly evening of racing on the water!
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Join us every Tuesday at 6:30 PM, beginning June 23 and continuing throughout July and August. Open to adults with basic sailing experience, this casual weekly meetup is all about getting out on the water, connecting with fellow members, and enjoying a relaxed evening sail. No racing, no pressure—just a fun way to spend a summer evening on the lake.
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Private or semi-private sailing lessons can be arranged throughout the summer and are tailored to any experience level. Whether you're looking to build confidence on the water, sharpen your racing skills, or simply enjoy sailing with friends, our instructors will customize each lesson to meet your goals.
Instructors: Adult lessons are led by US Sailing Level 1-certified instructors.
Duration & Timing: Lessons last approximately 1.5 hours and are typically scheduled in the early evening after sailing camps or on weekends during regular club hours.
Cost: $60 for a private lesson or $75 for a semi-private lesson. Lesson fees are payable at the guard shack.
Contact: Email lbcsailing@gmail.com to schedule your lesson.
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LBC maintains a fleet of sailboats available for members to enjoy whenever the Club and the water are open. Whether you're a new sailor or have years of experience, members are welcome to use the fleet once they've completed the checkout process.
To sail an LBC boat, members must:
Be checked out by a member of the sailing staff.
Have their name and contact information added to the roster of approved sailors.
Receive a briefing from the sailing staff on the designated sailing area and club procedures.
Sign the electronic waiver at the guard shack.
New Sailors: Complete the steps above, but begin by attending a Rigging Night to learn about the boat you'd like to sail. From there, schedule lessons with one of our US Sailing Level 1-certified instructors to prepare for your checkout.
Please reference the Member Sailing Checkout Procedure to prepare for your checkout.
Lbc sailing philosophy
“Is there a single greater thing you can teach an 8, 9, or 10-year old than to sail solo?
Name me another activity that teaches geometry, mechanics, and physics while showing a small child that the mind always matters more than brute strength, and that size and gender are irrelevant to success. A sport where the playing field of wind and water mutates with every race to remind them that nature is ever-dynamic – yet enforces rules of right-of-way, sportsmanship, and marine safety.
Lessons that train them to assemble complex sails and rigging, wash their own clothes, and not panic when capsizing. Lessons that teach them to trust their judgment, take responsibility for their decisions and not to blame anyone/anything else other than themselves.
A lifestyle that begins with a love for the water, and ends with a wizard-like ability to read its secret language of waves, clouds, currents and the predictable movement of a boat.
Sailing is a way of seeing the world without a digital screen.”
- Wesley Hsu
Sailing Camps
Summer camps for young sailors
LBC's summer sailing camps introduce young sailors to the water in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment — building confidence, independence, teamwork, and a lifelong appreciation for lake life.
Ages 5-7Guppies
Designed to spark a love of sailing and the water, this fun, sailing-focused program features games, hands-on activities, and supervised time on the water.
Cost: $310
Ages 8-10Junior Half-Day Camps
Learn the fundamentals of sailing in Optimists ("Optis")—safe, stable boats that are perfect for building confidence and developing foundational sailing skills.
Cost: $310
Ages 11-14Youth Full-Day Camps
All sailors are welcome to spend the day sailing Vanguards and Lasers while building confidence, developing sailing skills, and exploring Lake Washington.
Cost: $495
Adult Sailing Clinic
Learn to sail,
the social way
LBC's Adult Sailing Clinic offers adult members an approachable and social way to learn the fundamentals of sailing or build confidence on the water. These small-group evening sessions combine introductory instruction with hands-on time sailing on Lake Washington — designed for all experience levels in a relaxed, community-oriented setting.
Clinic Details:
Wednesdays | 5:30–7:30 PM
3-Week Sessions (June - August)
| Week | Dates | Camp Programming | Adult Clinci |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Jun 22–26 | AM Juniors / PM Guppies / Full Day | Session 1 |
| Week 2 | Jun 29–Jul 3 | AM Guppies / PM Juniors / Full Day | Session 1 |
| Week 3 | Jul 6–10 | AM Juniors / PM Guppies / Full Day | Session 1 |
| Week 4 | Jul 13–17 | AM Guppies / PM Juniors / Full Day | Session 2 |
| Week 5 | Jul 20–24 | AM Guppies / PM Juniors / Full Day | Session 2 |
| Week 6 | Jul 27–31 | AM Juniors / PM Guppies / Full Day (Race Camp) | Session 2 |
| Week 7 | Aug 3–7 | AM Guppies / PM Juniors / Full Day | Session 3 |
| Week 8 | Aug 10–14 | AM Guppies / PM Juniors / Full Day | Session 3 |
| Week 9 | Aug 17–21 | AM Juniors / PM Guppies / Full Day | Session 3 |
Sailing Calendar
2026 Sailing camps & clinics
Paddle boards & Kayaks
Explore the lake from the water
LBC offers members access to kayaks and stand-up paddle boards during club operating hours — an easy way to enjoy Lake Washington and experience the waterfront from the water.
For member safety and enjoyment, all watercraft users must follow club guidelines and designated boating boundaries while using LBC equipment.
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Members must be age 12 or older to independently operate club watercraft.
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult on a one-to-one basis.
Life jackets are required at all times while using LBC watercraft.
Usage is limited to designated club boundaries and time limits.
Damaged or lost equipment may result in repair or replacement fees.
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Temporary boat tie-up is available in accordance with club dock policies and safety procedures. Members are responsible for ensuring guests and boaters follow all posted regulations regarding dock usage, tie-up duration, and boating safety.
Digital Waiver RequiredAll members and guests using LBC watercraft — kayaks, paddle boards, and sailboats — must complete the club's digital waiver prior to use. Participants under 18 must have a waiver completed by a parent or guardian.
Swim Lessons
Confidence in the water, all summer long
LBC offers private swim lessons throughout the summer with individualized instruction from experienced LBC lifeguards and swim instructors. Lessons help swimmers of all ages build confidence, improve technique, and feel comfortable in the water.
Lessons are available Monday through Friday during the summer season and can be tailored to a variety of experience levels — from beginner water confidence to advanced stroke development.
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Private Lessons -$60/hour
Semi-private (2:1) - $90/hour
Payment at the guard shack before or during the lesson
Reschedule with 48 hours notice, subject to availability
No refunds for cancellations, including weather
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To schedule a swim lesson, contact any of LBC’s swim instructors listed below.
Swim lessons
Meet the instructors
For current scheduling and instructor availability, please reach out directly using the contact details below.
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Caroline Cappetto
Head Guard | 3 years at LBC
Hi! My name is Caroline, and this is my third summer working at the LBC. I grew up swimming on swim team and spent most of my summer days at the beach club, so swimming has always been something I enjoy. I like working with swimmers of all ages, but feel especially confident teaching ages 7-10.
carolinecap26@gmail.com | 206.573.6961
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Filip Petrovic
Head Guard | 3 years at LBC
I've been playing water polo and on swim teams for over 10 years, and previously coached both water polo and swim to kids ages 8–12. I'm best at teaching breaststroke but open and enthusiastic to teaching all!
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Asher Mccracken
Swim Instructor | 1 year at LBC
Hi I’m Asher! I grew up swimming at the LBC and I have been playing water polo for six years. I have coached and taught lessons at Wedgewood and Sandpoint pool. I love teaching all ages and groups and my favorite stroke is breaststroke.
mccrackenasher@gmail.com | 206-501-0196
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Brooke Wilwerding
Swim Instructor | 1 year at LBC
Hi my name is Brooke! I have been on swim team since age 6 and have spent most every summer in the water since. I have worked as a lifeguard for 4 years and have been teaching swim lessons for 3. I am happy to teach swimmers of any age and ability level.
brooke.wilwerding@student.fairfield.edu | 206-819-0093
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Calum weston
Swim Instructor | 1 year at LBC
Hello, my name is Calum! I have been a swim lesson instructor for over 4 years teaching all skill levels and ages. I have also coached swim team for two years. I am most experienced with ages 6-12, teaching the fundamental strokes and form, but I am more than happy to teach any level.
509.429.5280
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ryan towne
Swim Instructor | 4 years at LBC
Hi my name is Ryan! I did swim team for 10 years and have experience in working with kids of all ages. I love to be in the lake and can’t wait to work with you all!!
206.228.1851
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steffi young
Swim Instructor | 2 years at LBC
Hi my name is Steffi! I have been on swim team for 12 years, and have taught swim lessons for the past 5 years. I have taught swimmers of all abilities and ages, and am best at teaching crawl stroke and side breathing!
steffiy1027@gmail.com | 206.790.3907
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will anderson
Swim Instructor | 4 years at LBC
What’s up my name is Will Anderson. I have been coming to LBC my whole life and did swim team for fours years. I’m best at free style but am flexible for anything!
willpanderson07@gmail.com | 206.960.2330
GET INVOLVED
more than a membership
From the Fattie Fleet to sailing enthusiasts and social gatherings, member-led groups are an important part of the LBC community. These groups help build friendships, celebrate traditions, and create opportunities for members to connect throughout the season.
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Since 1956, the Fattie Fleet has been one of Laurelhurst Beach Club's most cherished traditions. What began as a group of women with young children sharing childcare while they swam laps has grown into a decades-long community built on friendship, encouragement, and a love of the lake. The group's memorable name was inspired by the Club's Flattie sailboats—and, as the story goes, an unknown husband who affectionately dubbed them the "Fattie Fleet." The name has been part of Club history ever since.
Each summer, women ages 18 and older gather to swim laps or walk the shallow-water course between the dock and catwalk, tracking their progress throughout the season. At the Annual Luncheon, members who complete 100 laps by August 6 are recognized, and first-time participants earn the coveted Blue Towel—a beloved Fattie Fleet tradition.
Whether you're returning for another summer or joining for the first time, the Fattie Fleet welcomes all women ages 18 and over to participate.
Interested in joining? Contact one of the Queen Fish, Mary Jo Gasparich or Marsha Mason, for more information.
