Class Descriptions
Opti Tots: Night Class ages 6-8 - This 6-week evening class is geared for our youngest sailors with an emphasis placed on safety, learning, and fun! Students are introduced to water safety, boat controls (main sheet and tiller), basic sailing maneuvers (tacking and jibing), and wind, through classroom and on-the-water activities. Our goal is to create a positive learning environment so our little ones are excited to sail.
Opti Day Class: Day class ages 8-10 - This 8-week class is for younger sailors that want to participate in the traditional all-day program with an emphasis on FUN. Students will independently sail in our Optimist dinghies under the close supervision of instructors and participate in daily classroom lessons and on-the-water activities. The curriculum includes terminology, basic seamanship (knot tying, rigging), basic boat handling (steering, sail trim, capsize recovery), and course sailing.
Adult Learn-To-Sail: Sailed on our fleet of J/22's, this 8-week course combines hours of on-the-water learning mixed with dockside instruction, all within the framework of a FUN social setting. Our curriculum focuses on the theory of sailing, terminology, rigging and de-rigging, personal safety, knots, safety on the dock and on the water, points of sail, small boat handling, right- of-way rules, man overboard procedures, and teamwork. Tuition includes US Sailing textbooks. Classes are either Monday, or Wednesday.
Junior 420 Day Class: ages 10-18 - This 8-week class introduces children to the basics of sailing aboard Club 420's, and J/22's with and emphasis on FUN and teamwork. The curriculum is tailored to students sailing experience, it includes terminology and rigging, wind and water theory, safety, boat controls, sailing maneuvers, points of sail, knot tying, and rules of the road. As students progress, lessons will also feature sail trim, capsize recovery, course sailing, introduction to the spinnaker, and beginner racing. Students will become proficient in monohull dinghy sailing but will also have the opportunity to sail aboard J/22's to experience one-design "big boat" sailing.
Optimist Race Team: ages 10-13 - Join us for an 8-week Opti Race program on Tuesday evenings and Fridays, designed to enhance sailing and racing skills learned in our day classes. Focused on fostering a growth mindset, we empower students to improve boat handling and racing knowledge through dedication. Team members collaborate, applying skills on the race course. Participation in the annual Eriegatta and I-LYA regattas is encouraged based on coach evaluation. Parental involvement is crucial for team success and travel to regattas. Set sail with us for a thrilling journey of skill development and teamwork!
420/Laser(ILCA) Race Team - Classes for ages 13 to 18 are held on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 4:30 pm to sunset. Admission to this team is based on both prior sailing experience and merit. Students enrolled in this competitive 9-week course engage in team practice sessions during the week and exciting weekend travel regattas.This program is tailored for students eager to master higher-level racing tactics and strategies. Founded in 1998, racers participate in the I-LYA Junior Travelers Series spans the summer, featuring regattas hosted by member clubs across our region. The Travelers Series aims to enhance sailing opportunities and elevate the competitive edge of junior sailors within the I-LYA. Weekly one-day regattas provide a dynamic platform for skill application and improvement throughout the season. The active participation of parents or guardians is vital for the team's success and enables travel to regattas. Become part of a thriving community where passion, skill, and teamwork converge for an enriching sailing experience.