This was the 24th year that the Society of Old Salts (S.O.S.) offered its Kids Setting Sail (KSS) program.
The program introduces young Lakesiders to sailing through short rides on a Sunfish sailboat with an experienced sailor. KSS is offered on Sunday afternoons from mid-June through Labor Day weekend. Special thanks to the more than 40 KSS volunteers, ranging in age from 14-92, who help make the program possible.
The following statistics show the program’s participation over the years:
2003 — 217 riders
2004 — 384 riders
2005 — 387 riders, 11-week season
2006 — 548 riders, 10 weeks
2007 — 573 riders, 11 weeks
2008 — 603 riders, 11 weeks
2009 — 705 riders, 12 weeks
2010 — 749 riders, 12 weeks
2011 — 855 riders, 12 weeks; 5,031 total
2012 — 947 riders, 11 weeks; 5,978 total
2013 — 836 riders, 11 weeks; 6,814 total
2014 — 779 riders, 10 weeks; 7,593 total
2015 — 467 riders, 12 weeks; 8,060 total
2016 — 629 riders, 12 weeks; 8,689 total
2017 — 460 riders, 12 weeks; 9,149 total
2018 — 573 riders, 12 weeks; 9,722 total
2019 — 393 riders, 12 weeks; 10,115 total
2020 — Did not operate due to the pandemic
2021 — 130 riders, 12 weeks; 10,245 total
2022 — 425 riders, 12 weeks; 10,670 total
2023 — 519 riders, 12 weeks; 11,189 total
2024 — 343 riders, 12 weeks; 11,532 total
2025 — 591 riders, 12 weeks; 12,123 total
2026 — 242 riders, 12 weeks; 12,365 total
S.O.S. advertises the program for children ages 5-10, but participants have ranged in age from 2-78. Young participants are excited to experience a ride in a Sunfish with an experienced sailor, while sailors and helpers are equally pleased to volunteer their time. Parents and grandparents are often especially excited to see their children and grandchildren out on the water, many for the first time.
This year, six sessions were canceled due to poor weather conditions, and the program does not operate during the Lakeside Sailing Regatta. S.O.S. also thanks all administrative personnel for their help in operating the program.
KSS has become one of Lakeside’s most visible public relations programs. It promotes the Lakeside Sailing Center, gives children the opportunity to experience sailing at an early age, and brings joy to parents and grandparents.
These children are future sailors, and some go on to participate in Lakeside Sailing Lessons after taking part in KSS. While the long-term revenue generated by KSS for Lakeside cannot be accurately measured, the program does generate revenue and introduces families to the Sailing Center and its programs. Its strong volunteer base is what makes the program possible.
A big thank you to all KSS volunteers and the Lakeside Sailing Center staff. Lakeside’s continued support of S.O.S. and its volunteers helps make the Sailing Center and the KSS program a continued success.
