This class is perfect for our younger sailors.  The course is designed to adapt to a broad spectrum of beginning sailors' experience.  Students will sail the first week primarily with a cadet instructor in a 420 Class Dinghy with the option of stepping into an El Toro Class Dinghy as competence indicates, at the discretion of the instructor.

This course reinforces the basics of sailing to give sailors the confidence to skipper their own boat.  Students will master the many seamanship skills including sail trim, steering, docking, with an emphasis on the sailor's ability to sail independently on all points of sail.  Sailors may also be introduced to basic racing skills culminating in an end of the session regatta, stressing fun and showcasing the confidence and skills developed over the two week session.

This course will utilize the Laser Radial for smaller intermediate races and the standard Laser for more advanced students.  Students will continue to develop skills associated with all points of sail.  The course is designed to develop boat handling, sail shaping and sailing theory, pointing toward competitive sailing and our racing program.

Student class assignments are based on the experience, skill level and maturity of each student.  Instructors will assess each student at the start of their session and create appropriate groups within the class as a whole.  Each session throughout the summer provides opportunity for ALL skill levels.  Parents are encouraged to enroll children in class levels they are properly suited for.  Often students are moved to more advanced levels during the course of a session as their ability dictates.  Students always do better and enjoy classes more when they are not challenged excessively in their initial stages of instruction.  For first-time students the early stages of instruction include basic boating safely, knot tying and rigging, terminology and self-rescuing skills.  No bare feet (aqua socks / boat shoes are best).  The sun is intense on the water and adequate sun screen should be worn - sunglasses with croakies are popular.  Kids have a tendency to get wet and many choose to bring back packs with towels and a dry change of clothing.