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Kids from 9-15 years of age can learn sailing this summer from one of the most experienced captains around.

If you can’t afford the $85 fee for the Marco Island City Kids Youth Sailing Program (MICKYS), free scholarships are available through the Marco Island Yacht Club. The program is organized by the Marco Island Parks and Recreation Department.

“We want any child that wants to sail to have the opportunity to get some exposure to the beautiful water that surrounds our island,” said Dana Souza , Parks and Recreation director.

This year, Captain Ben Davis, and his mate Will McLean, will be the sailing instructors. Davis has 42 years of sailing experience and captains the Lady Stirling, an 80-foot gaff-rigged schooner.

If someone is visiting a relative here and takes the beginners level program, their scores are recorded so they can take an advanced level course in their home state.

Beginning Monday, classes will be held at the Marco River Marina. The beginners level 1 course is from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The advanced level course is from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. The sessions cost $85 for residents and $95 for non-residents.

Ed Bania / Eagle staff

Souza

Souza thanked Bill Rose and George Lampert for allowing the program to be based at their marina for no rental fee.

“The yacht club continues to be an important funding group for our program,” Souza said. “They raise money every year through their regatta.”

After the last course, children taking the program will be offered a graduation cruise on the Lady Stirling.

Contact Souza at 642-0575 to sign up for the program or apply for a scholarship.