a 501(c)3 charitable organization "Sailing for Good"
The LWSA Sailing School
is Featured in a
New Children's Book
THE WEST WIND: A Winnipesaukee Sailing Adventure is the 5th book in the Winnipesaukee Adventures series where Jack, Franny, and J.J. learn how to sail by going to the LWSA sailing school. The new skills they learn come in handy when they are out sailing on a blustery day and they get the chance to return a favor to an old friend.
This book was inspired by author Andy Opel's experience having his children attend the Lake Winnipesaukee Sailing Association (LWSA) in Smith Cove on Lake Winnipesaukee. Both Andy’s children attended the school for many years and eventually went on to work as sailing instructors.
When Andy’s first book, THE WITCHES: A Winnipesaukee Adventure came out in 2011, longtime LWSA volunteer Al Posnack said, “You should write a book about the sailing school.” This seemed unlikely to Andy at the time, but 12 years later, Al’s suggestion has come to be a reality!
Andy Opel is a college professor, writer, filmmaker, musician, and artist who has worked in a wide range of mediums, from giant puppets to gypsy jazz (https://www.andyopel.net/ ).
Andy grew up spending summers on Lake Winnipesaukee and his grandmother, Alice Rainie, had a big influence on his time at the lake, inspiring the Grammy character that plays a key role in all the books. Importantly, he has also been influenced by his two children, Winni and Jasper, who have been students and staff members at the LWSA Sailing School
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The Winnipesaukee Adventure Series
The West Wind is the fifth book in Andy's Winnipesaukee Adventures Series. The series began in 2011 with THE WITCHES: A Winnipesaukee Adventure, winner of the Best Children’s Book Award in the 2011 New England Book Festival. All the books in the series are illustrated by Karel Hayes and her son John Gorey. Karel Hayes (http://www.karelhayes.com/) is an author/illustrator who has written and illustrated nine books and illustrated over 30 other books. She lives in Center Harbor, NH with her husband.
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The Witches; A Winnipesaukee Adventure. When Jack gets his first boat, he is excited to explore Lake Winnipesaukee with his younger brother and sister. Timber Island is a magical place just across the bay, but to get there, they have to go past The Witches. Follow Jack, Franny, and J.J. as they set off in search of summertime adventures. In a classic tale of kids “messing about in boats,” The Witches captures the timeless magic and mystery of Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. For generations, families have returned to this special place, sharing in the beauty of the “smile of the great spirit.” Join Jack, Franny, and J.J. as they learn about the power of the lake and the wisdom of their grandmother.
The Weirs; Winnipesaukee Adventure. From the author/illustrator team of the award-winning book, The Witches comes the latest Winnipesaukee Adventure. Join Jack, Franny and J.J. as they take a long boat ride, learn more about the lake and have a magical encounter with a fortune teller at The Weirs. Lake Winnipesaukee is a vacation destination where extended families gather to rekindle bonds across the generations. Join Jack, Franny and J.J. as they go on a boating adventure with Grammy. The timeless magic of boating at night is captured in this classic trip to The Weirs.
The Bobhouse; A Winnipesaukee Christmas. Every year, Lake Winnipesaukee freezes in the winter, presenting new challenges to residents and visitors. In this wintery Winnipesaukee adventure, the kids learn all about the fun of a frozen lake. Franny decides to enter the ice fishing derby after talking to a jolly man in a red bobhouse.
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The Mansion; An Old Winnipesaukee Mystery. From the award-winning author/illustrator team who created The Witches and The Weirs comes the latest Winnipesaukee adventure - and this time it's a mystery! Join Jack, Franny and J.J. as they learn about old lake traditions and Grammy tells them a spooky story about when she was a little girl.