The 2025 Chautauqua season marked the 23rd year of Kids Setting Sail, a beloved Lakeside tradition supported by the Society of Old Salts (S.O.S). This summer, the program welcomed 591 riders, a significant increase from 2024 and the highest number since the pandemic.
Created to introduce young people to the joy of sailing, Kids Setting Sail offers a short, hands-on ride aboard a Sunfish sailboat with an experienced sailor. The program runs on Sunday afternoons throughout the summer, except during Lakeside Regatta weekend, and continues to inspire a love of sailing across generations.
The following statistics show the progress of the program in number of riders per year:
- 2003 — 217 riders
- 2004 — 384 riders
- 2005 — 387 riders
- 2006 — 548 riders
- 2007 — 573 riders
- 2008 — 603 riders
- 2009 — 705 riders
- 2010 — 749 riders
- 2011 — 855 riders
- 2012 — 947 riders
- 2013 — 836 riders
- 2014 — 779 riders
- 2015 — 467 riders
- 2016 — 629 riders
- 2017 — 460 riders
- 2018 — 573 riders
- 2019 — 393 riders
- 2020 — Not in operation due to COVID
- 2021 — 130 riders *12-week season…10,245 riders to date
- 2022 — 425 riders *12-week season…10,670 riders to date
- 2023 — 519 riders *12-week season…11,189 riders to date
- 2024 — 343 riders *12-week season…11,532 riders to date
- 2025 — 591 riders *12-week season…12,123 riders to date
Though originally designed for ages 5-10, participants have ranged from 2-78 years old, proving that the thrill of catching the wind in a sail has no age limit.
For many children, Kids Setting Sail is their first time on the water. Parents and grandparents watch proudly from the shore, sharing in the excitement. Many of these young sailors go on to participate in Lakeside’s week-long sailing lessons.
At the heart of the program’s success is an extraordinary group of more than 40 volunteers, ranging in age from 14-90. Their time, passion and dedication make Kids Setting Sail possible, creating a welcoming and educational experience for every participant. We extend our deepest gratitude to these volunteers and to the administrative staff for their invaluable support.
Today, Kids Setting Sailing stands as one of Lakesides most visible and impactful programs. More than just a sailing lesson, it plays a vital role in promoting the Lakeside Sailing Center and nurturing the next generation of sailors. With continued community support and volunteer dedication, this beloved tradition is poised to inspire new sailors for many summers to come.
