Junior Sailing Divisions

Beginning Sailing

This is the perfect option for new sailors regardless of their age.  The course is designed to adapt to a broad spectrum of beginning sailors' experience.  Students begin sailing primarily with a cadet instructor in a 420 Class Dinghy with the option of stepping into an Optimist Class Dinghy as competence indicates, at the discretion of the instructor.

Intermediate Sailing

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, which injects even more fun and showcases the confidence and skills developed over the two week session.

This course will utilize the Optimist for younger and smaller strong sailors, the Laser Radial for older students and the standard Laser for older students in the proper weight range.  Students will continue to develop skills associated with all points of sail.  The course is designed to develop boat handling and boat speed, sail shaping and sailing theory, with all pointing toward competitive sailing and our racing program.

Comment

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 suggested.  Kids do get wet day in and day out and many choose to bring back packs with towels and a dry change of clothing.