WHAT YOU'LL NEED 

 

In order to ensure that all our students have a fun and safe sailing class, please read the following list of items that your child will need to have on the first day of class. To be ready to sail, students need to come to class equipped with the following items:

 

• USCG approved Type II or Type III lifejacket with the proper fit

• Emergency whistle - attaches to the lifejacket

• Water/Gatorade/sports drink (no soft drinks or juice)

• Boat, water shoes, sneakers (no open-toe sandals, Teva's, flip-flops, or other open-toe sandals that could fall off and risk injury)

• Sunscreen

 

Recommended Items for comfort:

 

• Hat with a brim or visor

• Sunglasses

• Beach towel

• Jacket (for cool days)

• Students can wear bathing suits or shorts & tee shirts

 

Remember to be ON TIME for drop-off and pick-up! 

 

WHERE TO GO

Popamora Point Beach (Henry Hudson Trail)

369 Shore Drive in Highlands

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YOUR FIRST DAY

 

The first day of class differs depending on your sailing level, although each class will begin with a swim test and capsize exercise.  This test is to ensure that students can handle themselves in the water.  While not wearing a life-vest, students will need to swim a predetermined length while instructors carefully monitor the exercise. They are then given their life-vest and will need to put it on while in the water.  Next, students will learn how to capsize and right a boat.  This is practiced so that in the event of capsizing, students will have the skills to right their boat and continue sailing.  This skill will be practiced a few times throughout the course.

 

Novice students will spend a lot of time learning about the parts of the Optimist (Opti), how they work, and how it is assembled.  Novice students will be introduced to knot-tying and proper care of equipment. Most Novice students will begin sailing in pairs in an Opti.  While one student focuses on handling the sail, the other student will learn how to operate the tiller.  Once a student learns to control the various parts of the boat, they will then sail on their own.  Every student will advance according to skill and comfort level with boating equipment.  Our instructors are certified Level 1 Instructors through US Sailing and are trained to evaluate a sailor's skill level to ensure he or she is placed in the best and safest scenarios to allow him or her to excel.