As a prerequisite, enrollees must complete a 400-meter swim in Saipan Lagoon and a one-hour open water tread. According to 500 Sails Program Manager Andrea Carr, the swim course begins at a buoy near the 500 Sails Guma Sakman, with a halfway point at a nearby World War II tank in the lagoon. Participants pause at the tank for the one-hour tread before swimming back to the buoy.
The first swim test is scheduled for Oct. 4, Saturday, at 8 a.m. at the 500 Sails Guma Sakman Beach. The second test will be held on Oct. 11, Saturday, at 7:30 a.m. Participants need only attend one date to complete the prerequisite.
Carr emphasized that participants may not touch the bottom during the swim test. “The swim is not timed, and any stroke may be used,” she said. “Swimming is an important skill for safety on a canoe, in case of a capsize or if someone falls overboard.” Personal swimming lessons are also available for a small fee, she added. Questions regarding the swim test can be sent to info@500Sails.org/.
This will be the third time NMC-CDI has partnered with 500 Sails to offer the course. The 15-week program introduces participants to the artistry and science of traditional seamanship. Students will learn about traditional maritime customs and gain hands-on experience in knot tying, canoe maneuvering, capsizing, righting, and more.
Participants must complete at least 10 practice sails with 500 Sails vessels to pass. These may be done at Crowne Plaza sails on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays, or at weekly Saturday sails at Guma Sakman.
Enrollees must be at least 16 years old. Minors require parental consent. The deadline to enroll is Oct. 9. Interested participants can enroll here: https://tinyurl.com/NewLalayak/.
A copy of a CNMI-issued ID is required.
Classes meet twice a week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from Oct. 11 to 25. Starting in November, participants will begin practice sails.
For Keiko Yamagata, who completed her Lalayak cohort on Sept. 27, the program was well worth the effort. “Through Lalayak, I’ve made new friends, learned new skills, increased my confidence, and developed a deeper appreciation of traditional sailing,” she said. “I highly recommend anyone interested to check out 500 Sails at Crowne Plaza or Guma Sakman. Riding a canoe might be the motivation you need to sign up and be part of this wonderful experience.”
