SUMMER 2023 REGISTRATION IS OPEN
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR LESSONS BELOW…
Please note before selection a session. The goal is to gain sailing experience, not to rush through our programs to get to the top level. Repeating the same level is a great way to have critical skills and knowledge reinforced.
Sailors should remain at the correct skill level UNTIL THEY MASTER the skills for that level. Levels are repeated until the skills are mastered. On the last day of class each week CSC instructors will hand out a skill sheet for each student. This sheet lists the recommended skill level for the students next session. PLEASE KEEP THIS SKILL SHEET FOR FUTURE REFERENCE WHEN SIGNING UP FOR NEXT LESSONS.
If you feel your sailor has gained significant skills between lessons an appointment can be made with a CSC instructor to assess their current skills. OR the US SAILING red book may be presented as evidence they have the skills. Please contact info@Clintonsailing.com for skill level change requests.
WE do keep track of sailors skill levels and review them before each week. If a sailor is at an incorrect level they will be removed from that lesson for safety and per US SAILING requirements. If there is no appropriate lesson we can move them to this may result in loss of your lesson fee as we do not refund for this situation.
YOUTH SAILING
LITTLE BUGGERS
This course has been developed for our littlest sailors! Sessions will be held on Saturday mornings to develop comfort and safety on and near the water and boats. Time will be spent in games learning about safety and sailboats as well as on the water. Classes are limited to 9 sailors per session. Sailors must be 5-7 years of age by the date of the first session.
Sailing 1
This is the place to start! Sailors learn safety, confidence, and good boating habits on the water. This class is one week of sailing in 12′ RS Zests. Topics covered: Water Safety – Boat handling basics – Points of sail – Upwind Sailing – Capsizing. Prerequisites: students must be a minimum of 8 years old and be able to swim.
Sailing 2
Step up to the next level! Students move from a single sailed boat to a sloop-rigged double-handed dinghy. This class uses 12′ RS Zests or 14′ RS Quests. Topics covered: Weather and Tides – Sail handling – Knot Tying – Upwind Sailing – Crew Work – Capsizing. Prerequisites: mastery of Sailing 1 and recommendation by a CSC Instructor.
Sailing 3
Experience an exciting performance boost with 14′ RS Quests and sporty 13′ Flying Juniors (FJs). In double-handed sailing drills, students learn all about their boats and how to work together as a team. Topics covered: Sail Trim – Right of Way/Rules of the road – Heel Control – Beach Landing – Capsize and self-rescue techniques. Prerequisites: mastery of Sailing 2 and recommendation by a CSC Instructor.
Sailing 4 (Advanced Sailing/Intro to Racing)
In this class, students will have the experience of partner or single-handed sailing using FJs and RS Quests. Instruction will include techniques that promote speed and maneuverability through racing courses that include roll tacking and spinnaker use. Prerequisites: mastery of Sailing 3 and recommendation by a CSC In structor.
Sailing 1, 2, 3, & 4 classes are week-long, Monday-Friday, 1/2 day 9am-noon or 1-4pm. Choose the right level for your sailor, then a week and time.
ADULT/FAMILY SAILING
Adult/Family Sailing lessons are taught by our US Sailing certified instructors at Clinton Town Beach. Learn to sail with family & friends! New sailors will learn basic sailing skills, and returning sailors will have the perfect refresher course.
Here’s how we teach: a mix of chalk talks and land drills gives everyone a chance to learn basic sailing skills, then go out on the water and practice what you’ve learned on 12′ RS Zests or 14′ RS Quests. Students will rotate through positions on the boat: helm (steering the boat), mainsail (the big sail), and jib (the little sail). Each student will have plenty of time to practice all these key roles, and by the end of three days, you should feel confident sailing a similar boat with friends. Or take another course with CSC for even more fun!
9-hour courses take place over three sessions. Note that the days and times vary slightly each week to avoid low tide. Choose your session, and remember – sailing is even more fun with family and friends!! Suggested minimum age is 14.
Sailing 1 – Introduction to Sailing
This is the place to start! Sailors learn safety, confidence, and good boating habits on the water. Topics covered: Water Safety – Boat handling basics – Points of sail – Upwind Sailing – Capsizing. Prerequisites: students must be a minimum of 14 years old and be able to swim.
Sailing 2 – Beginning Sailing
Step up to the next level! Students move from a single-sailed boat to a sloop-rigged double-handed dinghy. This class uses 12′ RS Zests or 14′ RS Quests. Topics covered: Weather and Tides – Sail handling – Knot Tying – Upwind Sailing – Crew Work – Capsizing. Prerequisites: mastery of Sailing 1, recommendation by a CSC instructor and be a minimum of 14 years old.
WOMEN’S SAILING
Women’s sailing is taught by our US Sailing certified instructors at Clinton Town Beach. Learn to sail with family & friends! Classes this year are limited to nine women (suggested minimum age is 14). This is a supportive class focused on safety, learning, and fun. New sailors will learn basic sailing skills, and returning sailors will have the perfect refresher course.
Here’s how we teach: a mix of chalk talks and land drills gives everyone a chance to learn basic sailing skills, then go out on the water and practice what you’ve learned on 12′ RS Zests or 14′ RS Quests. Students will rotate through positions on the boat: helm (steering the boat), mainsail (the big sail), and jib (the little sail). Each student will have plenty of time to practice all these key roles, and by the end of three days, you should feel confident sailing a similar boat with friends. Or take another course with CSC for even more fun!
9-hour courses take place over three sessions. Note that the days and times vary slightly each week to avoid low tide. Choose your session, and remember – sailing is even more fun with family and friends!!
Sailing 1 – Introduction to Sailing
This is the place to start! Sailors learn safety, confidence, and good boating habits on the water. Topics covered: Water Safety – Boat handling basics – Points of sail – Upwind Sailing – Capsizing. Prerequisites: students must be a minimum of 14 years old and be able to swim.
Sailing 2 – Beginning Sailing
Step up to the next level! Students move from a single-sailed boat to a sloop-rigged double-handed dinghy. This class uses 12′ RS Zests or 14′ RS Quests. Topics covered: Weather and Tides – Sail handling – Knot Tying – Upwind Sailing – Crew Work – Capsizing. Prerequisites: mastery of Sailing 1, recommendation by a CSC instructor and be a minimum of 14 years old.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Learn to sail your way with our experienced instructors. First time sailing? Need a refresher? CSC offers personalized instruction for individuals, couples, families, small groups, and team-building events. If you would like to register more than one person for a time/date please contact registration@clintonsail.org
JOIN OUR JUNIOR INSTRUCTOR TEAM!!
Do you love to sail, or teaching others to sail? Learn how to coach and sail like a pro! CSC’s Junior Instructors assist our coaching staff with teaching students, rigging boats, and keeping our summer program running smoothly. You will learn valuable leadership and teamwork skills, make new friends, and have fun!
REQUIREMENTS:
- 13 years old or have completed 7th grade
- Previous sailing experience
- Confident swimmer
- CT Safe Boating Certificate – this is a simple and inexpensive course – click here for dates, locations, and online enrollment
- Participate in our MANDATORY Instructor training session(s)
- CPR/First Aid certification a plus
SAILORSHIPS (sailing scholarships)
Sailorships are awarded based on financial need. We will post an application here before each season begins.
VETERAN’S SAILING
Are you a veteran who would like to go sailing? No experience required, and it’s free of charge. Read more, or contact Ray Hayes at 860-227-4154 or ray@pay4ward.org. Please note Pay4ward is a separate organization not affiliated with Clinton Sailing Club.
Refund Policy
Enrollments are non-refundable. ONLY UNDER extreme extenuating circumstances are refunds given. Withdrawals from lessons due to medical issues with financial hardships will be considered but are not guaranteed.
No refund will be given if you register for an incorrect skill level. We will do everything we can to move the sailor to the correct level. However if we are not able to move the sailor to the correct level we will not issue a refund. PLEASE be sure to register for correct skill level.
Please email registration@clintonsail.org with any questions or comments. We look forward to hearing from you! We also look forward to SAILING with you!