On the Water
Life on Lake Washington
Sailing
A sailing legacy
Sailing has been a defining part of the Laurelhurst Beach Club experience for generations. Since the 1920s, members have gathered on the shores of Lake Washington to race, learn, and build a strong sailing community rooted in tradition, sportsmanship, and connection to the water.
In 1939, the Laurelhurst Flattie Fleet officially received its Fleet Charter from the International Flattie Yacht Racing Association, establishing a sailing legacy that continues today through racing programs, youth instruction, camps, and recreational sailing for all ages.
Whether members are learning to sail for the first time, racing on Monday nights, or continuing decades-long family traditions, sailing remains at the heart of life at LBC.
How to Get Involved
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.
The Fleet
From the historic Flattie to today's fleet
Beginning with the historic Geary 18 "Flattie" in 1939, LBC's fleet has grown to include a variety of boats designed for instruction, recreation, and racing.
During the early 1940s, sailing on Lake Washington offered a welcome sense of normalcy and escape while World War II was underway. In an August 2, 1942, Seattle Times article, Virginia Boren captured the sentiment of the era:
"When one looks out on the sapphire blue of Lake Washington and sees the sailboats bobbing around like toy ships in a bathtub, one has a satisfying sense of security."
Today, LBC continues to build on that legacy, maintaining a fleet that supports sailors of all ages and experience levels while honoring the club's rich sailing traditions.
RS quest
A stable, versatile sailboat ideal for instruction, recreational sailing, and sailors of all experience levels.
OPTIMIST DINGHIES
Designed for younger sailors, the Optimist Dinghy ("Opti") is a safe, stable, and easy-to-sail boat that serves as the international standard for junior sailing instruction.
VANGUARD 15S (V15)
These performance dinghies are excellent for both racing and recreational sailing, known for their speed and maneuverability.
Laser sailboats
Known for their speed and agility, perfect for competitive sailing.
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
ALL AgesYouth 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
2026 sailing race schedule
| Date | Event | Post Race Snack |
|---|---|---|
| June 1 | LBC Monday Night Race | Randy Woo |
| June 8 | LBC Monday Night Race | Chip Painter |
| June 15 | LBC Monday Night Race | Tim Hogan |
| June 18 | Trophy Race - Bruce Parker | Fred Buckner |
| June 22 | LBC Monday Night Race | Paul Garner |
| June 29 | LBC Monday Night Race | Katie Biely |
| July 6 | LBC Monday Night Race | Tracey Peschon |
| July 13 | LBC Monday Night Race | Theo |
| July 16 | Trophy Race | John Wedgwood |
| July 20 | LBC Monday Night Race | Mark Johns |
| July 27 | LBC Monday Night Race | Justin Alfano |
| August 3 | LBC Monday Night Race | Mike Wayte |
| August 10 | LBC Monday Night Race | Kent Metler |
| August 17 | LBC Monday Night Race | Chip Painter |
| August 20 | Trophy Race | Fred Buckner |
| August 24 | LBC Monday Night Race | Theo |
| August 31 | LBC Monday Night Race | Randy Woo |
| September 7 | LBC Monday Night Race | Tracey Peschon |
| September 14 | LBC Monday Night Race | Katie Biely |
| September 21 | LBC Monday Night Race | TBD |
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