World's First Fleet of 420Z Sailboats Christened at Wayzata Community Sailing Center

by Howard Noreen

The Wayzata Community Sailing Center (WCSC) celebrated the christening of 12 new Laser Performance 420Z sailboats on the evening of July 29. The new fleet's christening began with an open water sailing event, and WCSC staff brought adults and children out sailing the new boats. Some of the guests even sailed the boats themselves. 

This is the first fleet of the 420Z in the world. The 420Z is a two-person sailboat, and the new boats are being used at the WCSC for summer camp programs. In addition, it will be used for high school and college racing in the spring and fall.

After a beautiful evening sail all were invited to a BBQ before the christening began. Howard Noreen, president of the Wayzata Community Sailing Center, christened the first boat in the new fleet. Reading his prepared speech that spoke of ages old traditions handed down throughout the ages he christened the boat with a non-alcoholic sparkling beverage.

The new 420Z has been under development for five years and uses the latest manufacturing techniques, which requires less fiberglass and the production process has been found to be much more environmentally friendly.

The Wayzata Community Sailing Center is one of the largest community sailing centers in the Midwest. For over 30 years, WCSC has provided youth and adult sailing classes on Lake Minnetonka for years, now reaching almost 700 students. 

In summer, the Sailing Center runs youth sailing camps for ages 5-16, summer race programs for ages 8-18, and adult keelboat instruction. In addition, the WCSC offers scholarships for those who qualify and also runs summer outreach programs in partnership with a variety of youth development organizations from around the Twin Cities area. 

In the spring and fall seasons, the sailing center staff also coaches four high school sailing teams, and the University of Minnesota Sailing Team in competitive racing.

In 2009 the Sailing Center piloted an Adapted Sailing program for disabled sailors, and is continuing to provide adaptive sailing opportunities. Future plans include expansion of these programs to provide more access to the sport of sailing. It is the WCSC hope to continue to be a powerful link between the community and the asset that is Lake Minnetonka.