1934

WPSA Founding Year

Welcome to the WPSA!

The Wet Pants Sailing Association was founded back in 1934 on some simple guiding principles:

Be inexpensive and self-supporting.  Allow for boats of different types and sizes to participate on equal footing.  Encourage inexperienced sailors to learn to sail and race.  Foster sportsmanship, self reliance and seamanship – always focused on safety.

2020 Sailing Program

Please be advised that COVID-19 is likely to interrupt the scheduled 2020 school season at WPSA.  We are closely following the situation and following the NYS Governor’s directives.  Safety for our members and students is our top priority.

Our Vibe

Humble Beginnings

1934 Two young sailboat racers were not able to receive their trophies after they placed first in a local regatta, because they were not members of any participating yacht clubs.  Not deterred, WPSA was formed.  Since 1934, Wet Pants Sailing Association members have been bringing home trophies, offering friendship and instruction to the community.

We invite you to join us!

Every enrolled student’s family becomes de facto members – you are all welcome to join us, participate in events, with opportunities to volunteer, sail and learn more about sailing.  Sailors and boaters are welcome but you do NOT need to own a boat to join, you don’t need any experience in sailing – just an interest!

Our Values

Our organization was founded on four principles:

  • It had to be inexpensive and self-supporting

  • Allow for boats of different types and sizes to participate on equal footing

  • Encourage inexperienced sailors to learn to sail while racing

  • Foster sportsmanship, self reliance and seamanship.

Sayville’s Wet Pants Sailing Association, 1934 – 1940 

book by Mr. Travis