Kids learn to sail on Lake Lotawana

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Thursday mornings can look pretty chaotic, even out of control, when you watch the small sail boats on the west side of Lake Lotawana. There is an explanation, though.

The sailors, ages 5 to 12, don’t pay attention, according to sailing instructor Dave Cooley.

Cooley says that doesn’t matter, because the kids learn by doing.

“The best thing we can do is just send them out there and let them learn it, basically, with experience,” he said.

Nearly 30 kids participate in the program. While it’s designed for beginners, many of the young sailors have been on the lake for years. The goal is to have fun.

Delaney Voitenko, 8, says it normally is, unless the wind isn’t blowing.

“When there’s no wind, you can’t really get anywhere,” he said. “It’s pretty hard.”