Youth Sailing – 2021

Description

We have reduced class sizes for now to encourage solo sailing and social distancing. Solo sailing will maximize your time at the tiller so you’ll get the most out of the class. In this current environment, it’s also a great way to maintain a healthy distance from others. If you have two or more sailors that need to sail on the same boat together, we can still make that happen.

Your sailor should remain in the level that is age appropriate for them until they are old enough to move up a level. 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.

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 9′ Laser Bugs for younger sailors, older ones sail the 12′ RS Zests. Topics covered: Water Safety – Boat handling basics – Points of sail – Upwind Sailing – Capsizing. Prerequisites: students must be a minimum of 7 years old or have completed 1st grade, 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: taken Sailing 1 at least twice, and be a minimum of 10 years old or have completed 4th grade.

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: taken Sailing 2 at least twice, and be a minimum of 12 years old or have completed 6th grade.

Sailing 1, 2, & 3 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.

5 Easy Steps to Register: (complete all five)

1. Choose your Session, enter Sailor’s Full Name, Add to cart, Proceed to checkout
2. Digitally sign online liability, helmet, and media waivers plus Sailor Code of Conduct
3. Login to your account, or enter billing details, email address, and password
4. Pay via credit card or check
5. Complete sailor information, medical, parent/guardian contact, and emergency/pickup authorization form

Registration fees are non-refundable. If a sailor cancels at the last minute there’s little chance to fill their slot – and CSC still has to pay for staffing, insurance, boat maintenance & repair, etc. But we will make every effort to move you to another session if possible. Please also note we have no control over weather (including rain, thunderstorms, and high wind conditions); while we make every effort to get sailors on the water as much as possible, our first priority is the safety of students and staff. If CSC is forced to cancel an entire week-long session due to COVID-related or other issues, we will refund your electronic payment less any card processing fees or credit you for a future class. Check payments will be refunded in full or credit you for a future class.

State of CT Covid-19 guidelines in place at the time of each session will determine CSC Covid-19 policies and restrictions. Please keep in mind any possible quarantine restrictions and your vacation plans when signing up for a session.

Required items:

• Water!! PLEASE send your sailor with WATER!!
• Sunscreen applied prior to arrival (instructors cannot apply)
• Closed-toe water shoes (old sneakers will work)
  • Sailors wade in the water to board their boat and when they practice capsize drills
  • The bottom of our harbor has rocks, sharp shells, and mud (oh, the mud…)
  • Crocs and flip-flops are not acceptable. They slip right off, get swallowed up by the mud, and they are not safe.

Suggested items:

• Easy to read beginner sailing textbook to review at home. Available at:
  • Clinton’s Henry Carter Hull Library –  Check availability or place a copy on hold
  • Amazon has used copies for $10 or less
• Sunglasses with keeper
• Long shorts plus rash guard or similar shirt for sun protection
• Properly sized PFD (life jacket). Bring your own if you have one, especially for health reasons this year. But we have a good supply of them if you need one.

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!