FAIRHOPE – Sailing can become an addiction. Just ask anyone who has ever been out on Mobile Bay in a boat with no hint of man-made propulsion aboard. The soothing sound of waves and wind unencumbered by the roar of an engine is sometimes difficult to shake.

Such a strong propensity for sailing often starts early in life, and at no time is that more evident than during the Summer Sailing Instruction Day Camps hosted by the Fairhope Yacht Club. Certified instructors will begin leading three two-week sessions on Tuesday, and as always the classes filled up quickly.

Coordinators Alicia Lucas and Carol Revel said FYC has been offering the instruction for many years. Kids who are ages 7 to 16 learn the basics of seamanship when they attend.

Youth are taught rigging and safety, Lucas said, adding, “Almost every boat is rigged differently.”

The smaller sailboats used for training enable students to gain experience installing the mast and sail, as well as the center board. They also learn how to tie sailor’s knots commonly used on a sailing vessel.

FYC typically places less than eight students at a time under the guidance of four instructors in order to provide one-on-one attention along the club’s Volanta Avenue beachfront.

“A lot are children and grandchildren of (FYC) members,” Revel said.

“Others are excellent swimmers who just love to be on the water.”

Lucas pointed out, “They really become involved in sailing, and their parents (who aren’t already involved) usually end up learning.”

For beginners, the club maintains a flotilla of smaller craft, including 16 single-person boats that will each support 130-140 pounds. Revel said children may use those sailboats in competition until age 15.

Lucas said the larger 420s kept on hand, and widely used in high school and collegiate sailing, are 4.2 meters long and are the next step toward total proficiency.

Volunteer assistants help the instructors each year, and all had once been students themselves. Revel said, “They have advanced beyond sailing lessons, but they still want to be a part of it.”

So what is it about sailing that keeps the younger set coming back for more?

“It gives them a sense of independence and control,” Lucas said. “They think they’re out there by themselves. It’s more peaceful. It’s a game. They have to use strategy.”

Revel added, “It’s a skill. This is a lifelong sport. It’s not like football which they can only do for a limited time.”

Emily East is one of several women who excelled at sailing while a FYC student and went on to compete successfully in regattas, Revel noted.

Eric Boothe is also someone who took advantage of the youth sailing lessons offered there before he became a household name among fans of the sport. He went on to win the 505 European Championship.

An instructor at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club for several years, Boothe is highly sought after these days as a crew member for major ocean races.

His mother, Carolyn Boothe, said, “Many good sailors have gone on to military careers and naval careers, and all have enjoyed a lifelong love of the sport.”

Revel acknowledged sailing isn’t an activity everyone will enjoy, however, with some finding themselves more excited by the speed of power-boating.

Others simply realize it’s not for them. She said, “I guess it’s a lifestyle choice.”

For the social animal in all of us, sailing is ideal, according to Lucas.

Those who sail together, particularly when they are young, talk back and forth between boats and form enduring friendships.

For more information on youth sailing at the Fairhope Yacht Club, call 928-3276 or visit www.fairhopeyachtclub.com.