|
| Beginner Class: “Crew / Opti
I” |
| This class level is designed
as an introduction to sailing. Students will learn the parts of
the boat, basic seamanship skills, such as knot tying, wind direction,
points of sail, boat care, and water safety. Classes are conducted
both on the water and in the classroom. On the water instruction
is conducted in CC Mercuries, with several students in a boat
as well as Optimist Dingies which are a single handed boats. Each
student will be given the opportunity to try their hand at sailing
either as a group on the “Mercs” or solo on the “best
little boat int eh world” Children who show interest will
be given the skills to be ready to race in the “Green Fleet”
by summer’s end. There will be one instructor on each “Merc”
with students at all times. Another instructor will accompany
the class in a “safety boat” (power boat). Our goal
is familiarize students with sailing and have them feel comfortable
and confident on the boats, as well as having enough fun to make
them eager to continue the sport. Classes are held in the morning,
and instructors are on the CC Mercs with students, and, of course,
in "safety boats.” Opti sailors will be under close
supervision our dedicated instructors – classes will take
place either in the marina or directly the clubhouse marina. Classes
are held in the early morning, when the wind is generally the
lightest, and the bay is relatively calm. |
|
| Advanced Beginner: “Racing
Crew” |
| This class level is designed for
students who have some previous sailing experience or have completed
the Beginner class level. Again, classes are held in Club Mercuries
and in the classroom. This class is designed to further develop
all the basic sailing skills, while increasing the sailor’s
confidence on the water. Basic sailing concepts will be improved
upon, including all points of sail as well as introduction to the
simple racing rules and racing experience. Emphasis will be on becoming
a confident crew (handling the sails) however students will be given
opportunity to get some experience in taking the helm with an experienced
crew (skippering). Instructors are with students at all times, including,
of course, in "safety boats.” They will be held in the
afternoons to take advantage of the more consistent wind conditions. |
|
| Intermediate Class –
“Skipper” |
| Students in this class level are
working toward perfecting their boat handling skills and seamanship.
Students in this class level must have attained the basic skills
required to skipper a boat. Sailors will increase their sailing
proficiency and expand their knowledge of seamanship. Sail trim,
simple tuning, sailing techniques, and boat maintenance are a few
examples of topics that will be covered. This course is specifically
designed to give each student the confidence to handle the helm.
We hope to hold classes in the early morning, when the wind is generally
the lightest, and the bay is relatively calm. Students will sail
with and without instructors aboard, but students will always be
under the direct supervision of instructors aboard the “safety”
boats. |
|
| Racing Classes – “Racing
Skipper” |
| Racing classes are designed for
students with more advanced sailing skills, and who are interested
in the racing experience. Students must be capable of taking the
helm without coaching. Classes will be held primarily CC Mercs –
however introduction to the Club 420 class boat will help these
students move up into a more competitive racing class. Classes will
cover aspects of racing, including more complex rules of racing
and basic racing tactics. There will be an emphasis on good sportsmanship
and boat maintenance. Classes will include classroom instruction
and on the water in a variety of formats, including skill-drills,
and practice races. They will be held in the afternoons to take
advantage of the more consistent wind conditions. |
|
| Advanced Sailing - “Advanced
Racing Skipper” |
| A class for the advanced sailor
who wants to learn the finer points of sailing. This course is sailed
primarily on the competitive Club 420s and will prepare the student
for sailing both team and match racing as well as introduce the
sailor on rigging adjustments which will enhance the boats competitiveness
under a variety of wind and sea conditions. |
|
| Optimist Program: Intermediate
- "Opti II" |
| This class is designed
for students ready for the Green Fleet (novice sailors in their
first year of Opti racing). It is meant for those students familiar
with the Optimist, and are ready to hone their skills and begin
their racing careers. |
|
| Introduction to Opti
Racing - "Opti III" |
| This class goes
beyond the basics to teach special boat handling and proper “go
fast” rigging for racing. This class is the “OPTI”
version of “Advanced Racing Skipper” (Note:
Sailors who have completed the OPTI IIII program and who wish
to experience sailing with a crew should enroll in the “Racing
Skipper” program.) |
|
| Tactics |
| A class for students who have completed
either OPTI III or Advanced Racing Skipper. This course is designed
to educate the students in basic navigation skills, advanced racing
tactics, and learn how a race committee operates by setting courses,
designing race circulars, scoring and adjudicating protests in actual
races. On the water experience with our instructors acting as race
coaches push these students to reach their highest level of sailing
performance. |
|
| Apprenticeship Program |
| Young persons wishing to explore
the potential of becoming a sailing instructor can volunteer to
participate in this program. Students must be at least 15 years
old by August 31 and may also be enrolled in the tactics program.
This program is designed to give the student experience in working
with young children and show the responsibility necessary to become
a full time junior sailing instructor. The Apprentice will be under
the direct supervision of the Sailing Instruction Coordinator and
Head Instructor. |
