2008 Youth Sailing Schedule

We offer 2-week sessions to improve the quality of instruction and to allow more students to take lessons. STUDENTS CAN SIGN UP FOR MULTIPLE SESSIONS.

• First Session: June 30-July 11
• Second Session: July 14-July 25
• Third Session: July 28-August 8

The Sailing Program offers three levels of youth sailing.

• Beginner: M-F 9-noon
• Intermediate: M-F 1-4pm
• Racing: M-F 1-4pm

Sign-ups are planned to go online at the end of March.

To register, go to www.SwampscottRec.com, create a household account, register for the program, print out a form, and mail it in with your check.

Beginner Course
30 Hrs.
American 14.6 Sloops
Prerequisite: None

The Beginner Course is designed for first-time sailors and for students who have not yet graduated to independent sailing. Age makes a big difference here, so we recommend that 9 and 10 year olds repeat this course at least once before taking Intermediate. We plan to offer special sessions for teens. The Beginner Course is an excellent refresher after a long school year away from sailing.

Daily shore classes and on-water sailing exercises develop each essential skill. Some of the topics include parts of the boat, rigging, tacking, jibing, helmsmanship, points of sail, sail handling, knot tying, crew work, and capsizing. This course culminates with a cruise to a nearby beach. Diplomas and awards are presented. 9 and 10 year olds are encouraged to repeat this course before taking Intermediate Sailing.

Intermediate Course
30 Hrs.
American 14.6, and Club 420 Sloops
Prerequisite: Beginner Course

The Intermediate Course is focused on enhancing basic skills and on independent sailing. Intermediate is too advanced for virtually any 9 year-old. It may be OK for well-prepared 10–11 year-olds, but best for ages 12 and up. We plan to offer special sessions for teens. Most sailors under 13 should repeat Intermediate at least once.

The course covers helmsmanship, sail trim, basic aerodynamics, sail-shape controls, and safety skills through daily sailing drills and exercises. Diplomas and awards will be presented. Juniors under 13 are encouraged to repeat this course once before taking the Racing Course.

Racing Course
30 Hrs.
420s, American 14.6 and Club 420 Sloops
Prerequisite: Intermediate Course
The Racing Course is designed for Intermediate sailors who want to try their hands at the exciting world of small-boat racing. The course will cover practice starts, mark roundings, racing rules, strategy, and tactics. These skills are put into practice in a series of short races and skill-building drills. Diplomas and trophies are awarded on the final day. This course is excellent preparation for the Saturday Racing series.


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Conduct and Discipline
Proper conduct is required. No rough play or foul language will be tolerated on the docks, in the classroom, or in the boats. To ensure safety, all participants must follow instructions. We will not tolerate poor sportsmanship or any breach of conduct. If discipline is necessary, the Director reserves the right to require a student to leave the program for some period of time or expelled. The guardian will be notified immediately.

Poor Weather
Class will be held RAIN OR SHINE. In poor weather, such as excessive wind, thunderstorms, heavy rain, or heavy fog, classes will be held on the beach or in the classroom. The decision to go out on the water is at the discretion of the Director and the Instructors, based on weather conditions at the time or on weather forecasts, to ensure the safety of the students. Equipment problems are also grounds for not going out on the water. Poor weather classes will be 2 hours in length, and parents will be notified at the time of drop off.