Q: What does my child need for sailing class?
A: Every child in the program must have their own Coast Guard approved life jacket and shoes that cover up their toes (sailing booties, old tennis shoes, Crocs, Keen – non marking, etc.). Sunscreen is a must as well. We do have some sun block in the Sail Room but kids don’t forget to put it on when parents make sure they have it on before leaving the house. Other recommended items are a hat, sunglasses, towel, possibly a change of clothes, and rain gear for rainy days.
Q: Are classes going to be held today with all of this rain/wind?
A: Absolutely. We will run indoor sailing related activities if the weather does not look good for a specific class. Race teams should be ready to go in virtually all conditions under 25 knots. The only time classes will ever be cancelled is if the Club closes.
Q: My child is sailing Optis for the first time this summer. Can he or she sail in an Opti with his or her friend?
A: Once children have entered in to Opti classes, we prefer that they sail on their own. Optis do not handle well with two people in the boat and it tends to reinforce bad habits. Our goal is for each child to leave Opti classes confident in their ability to handle the boat on their own. This provides a solid foundation and the skill set to serve as the stepping stone into a variety of other boats.
Q: I want to go sailing. Can I check out a boat from the Club?
A: Yes. As long as we do not have any conflicts with boats being used to teach classes, they will be available to take out. Capri 14s are almost always available. We ask that you drop by the sail room to check out a boat. It is recommended that you bring a VHF radio with you, as our instructional staff uses all of the radios we have in the sail room, in case you need help out on the water or a pick up from the Capri moorings.
Q: You keep referring to Optis, 420s and Capris. What in the world are you talking about?
A: The Optimist Dinghy, or Opti, is a squared off bath tub with a sail sticking out of it. Actually it’s the most popular junior training boat in the world. It is a small, eight foot pram with a gaff rig, designed for children under the age of 15 that is sailed throughout the U.S. and around the world. It is fairly common to see 200 to 400 Optis at the biggest regattas around the world. Optimist sailors learn the essential steering and sail-trimming skills necessary to continue in the sport of sailing. Its flat, stable hull provides an unintimidating introduction to sailing; and, as young sailors progress, they can graduate to the Optimist racing circuit. For more information, click here.
420: The Club 420 is a very popular boat in the U.S. for teenagers and is built to be manageable for sailors coming out of the Optimist class and enables young sailors to learn teamwork, trapeze, and spinnaker techniques. The boat gets its name from its length, 420 centimeters. The Club 420 is simple and safe for beginning sailors and yet quick enough to keep collegiate All-Americans interested.
Capri 14.2: The Capri is the cruiser of our fleet. Built somewhat like a tank, it can take a licking and keep on ticking. The boat is fairly wide, stable and comfortable. Rigged with a main and jib only, the boat is quick to rig and easy to setup.
Q: I want a little help with private instruction for me or my child. Do you offer private lessons?
A: Yes. Private lessons are available to all members at the rate of $65 per hour for up to two people. Some days are better than others due to class loads but if you call the sail room, we will do our best to accommodate your request.