Last summer’s oil spill disrupted everyone’s life along the Gulf Coast. Just three days into the first week of Orange Beach’s ‘Sail Camp,” organizers had to make the decision to shut down for the 2010 season.  With hopes that the future would be better, the young sailors put away their sailing gear and moved on to other summertime activities.

The City of Orange Beach Parks and Recreation Department is now gearing up for Sail Camp 2011. Classes will be held at Waterfront Park on Canal Road.

The camp is open to junior sailors ages 9 to 14. As in previous years, there will be morning and afternoon sessions. The morning sessions will be from 9 a.m.-noon for beginning sailors.

The afternoon sessions will be from 1:30-4:30 p.m. for intermediate sailors. Each session will run Monday through Friday.

Two of the afternoon sessions have been changed to beginners in an attempt to catch up on all the beginners who missed out last summer.

Sail Camp session dates are: June 6-10, June 13-17, June 20-24, June 27-July 1, July 11-15 and July 18-22.  

Registration for Orange Beach residents began on March 28.  Registration for             non-residents will begin April 26.  The fee is $100 per student per session for Orange Beach residents and $125 per student per session for non-residents.

Camp sailors are required to bring their own life jackets, towel, water bottle and wear water shoes.

Applications for the camps are available at Orange Beach City Hall or on the Parks and Recreation web site, www.obparksandrec.com  Applications should be submitted to the Parks & Recreation office located at City Hall on Alabama 161.  Mail applications to City of Orange Beach, Parks and Recreation Department, P.O. Box 458, Orange Beach, AL 36561.

In addition, a week of Adult Classes is scheduled for later in the summer.  Call 251-981-6039 for further information.