Landlubbers can learn the basics of sailing for free at Indiana's Patoka Lake on June 17.

If you're interested in learning the ropes, sign up for one of three 90-minute sessions offered that day. The Patoka Lake Sailing Club will provide instruction.

Each session will include 30 minutes of instruction on land and will conclude with an hour of water-based instruction. Land instruction will include water safety, docking, knot tying and more. Water instruction will include basic sailing maneuvers, sail trimming techniques, equipment identification and plenty of fun.

Participants must register in advance by calling the Patoka Lake Nature Center at (812) 685-2447 before the date of the event. Spots will fill quickly, so act soon.

Sessions begin at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Participants younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants must sign a liability waiver and wear a life jacket. Life jackets will be provided, or participants can bring their own.

Lessons will be canceled in the event of severe weather. Call the nature center if in doubt on the day of the event.

Patoka Lake (stateparks.IN.gov/2953.htm) is at 3084 N. Dillard Road, Birdseye, IN 47513.

To view all DNR news releases, please see dnr.IN.gov.



Media contact: Dana Reckelhoff, interpretive naturalist, Patoka Lake, (812) 685-2447.