The Milwaukee Community Sailing Center has a new program this year called "Family Learn-to-Sail," which is a one-of-a-kind offering and other sailing organizations around the country are planning to model programs similar to it.

The idea is to get families sailing together, so the instruction and program takes into account busy schedules of parents and children, begins with on-the-water experiences, has a unique "counselor" instructor method and includes lots of camaraderie-building experiences.

The Family Sail program includes four sessions of sailing instruction.  MCSC Memberships are required and are valid for one year from the start of class. For a two-parent membership, the cost is $485 plus $25 per child. For a single-parent membership, the cost is $300 plus $25 per child, up to three children.

For families or individuals concerned about the cost of sailing, The Milwaukee Community Sailing Center (MCSC) is a non-profit agency that provides educational and recreational sailing programs to the greater Milwaukee community. Anyone who wants to learn to sail is welcome at MCSC regardless of age, ability or financial concerns.

Memberships include sailing and social privileges and also allows access to MCSC's wide array of instructional classes fees.

The available dates and times for family sailing vary throughout the summer, but most are on Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m.

Instructors will present a great introduction to sailing in a fun and safe environment geared toward the entire family.  Children 8 years old and older are welcome to participate. 

Nick Hayes, a MCSC board member and avid family sailor -- his daughter is now an instructor -- helped develop the program in the wake of his book "Saving Sailing."

"Unlike most summer activities like sports, skills, camps or clubs, sailing isn't for kids alone. It's a fun and exciting outdoor activity where kids and parents can learn and grow together. And at the Sailing Center, where boats, instructors and safety equipment are supplied, it's affordable and convenient, too," says Hayes.

Melina Roth has been sailing with her family for three years. She says her sons, ages 9 and 7, have learned a lot through the experience.

"They have learned how to communicate with each other better and have been forced to really pay attention for long periods of time while sailing," she says. "And they have a lot of fun doing it."

On June 19, sailing enthusiasts around the world will celebrate the "sailstice." The tag line for this year's event is "sail locally, celebrate globally."

In Milwaukee, the sailing community -- which includes the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center, Milwaukee Yacht Club, South Shore Yacht Club and Mid America Sail & Trail organizations -- teams up to give sailors, as well as those who have always wanted to take a sailboat ride or just want to enjoy the lakefront and a day of fun.