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Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club

Junior Sailing Program

 

2008 Course Levels and Goals

 

            All Classes:  Classes will begin on time with land instruction. The students then rig and launch their boats for on the water instruction.  After all boats and gear are returned to their proper places, class will conclude at the round table.  Students are to remain at the round table until they are released to a parent.

 

            Beginner Sailing (Ages 7-9):  This class emphasizes the fun of sailing.  The only prerequisites are a desire to learn to sail and the ability to pass the swim test.  This test includes swimming one hundred feet, treading water for 1 minute, swimming under water and  putting on a life preserver while in the water.  The test will be conducted the first day of class. 

By the end of the 8 week session, the student will have the knowledge and comfort level to participate in the Halsey Island Regatta.  Beginner students will sail two students to an Optimist.  Our goal at this level is to recognize the accomplishment of completing a given course.  The student will also have the ability to earn the US Sailing Small boat Sailor Certificate by demonstrating a variety of specific sailing skills.

 

Advanced Beginner Sailing (Ages 10- 15): This class is for beginners over the age of 10 and younger beginners with one year’s experience.  All participants must pass the swim test on the first day of class.  Most sailing in this class will be in solo Optimists with a focus on completing the US Sailing Little Red Book requirements.  At the end of the course the students will sail solo in the Halsey Island Regatta.

 

Recreational Sailing:  This class is for the student who has completed two or more one or more years of beginner level sailing or has equivalent sailing experience with proficiency at sailing solo in an Optimist.  The swim test must be passed on the first day of class. Recreational students will work on beginning skills of sail trim, boat trim, advanced knot tying, advanced boat handling, safety procedures, reading weather and the basic rules of right of way.  This level is intended for all levels of sailing interest and is not meant to be intensely competitive.  The focus here is fun – including on the water games, competitions, cruises, and fun races.

 

In the Halsey Island Regatta, the Students will be introduced to the rules of racing and the basics of a Regatta.  It is an opportunity for the student to complete a given course and personally test their individual skills in a race setting.

 

Racing Class: Students in this class must  complete two or more years of Beginner Level Sailing Classes, or they must have equivalent sailing experience.  The swim test must be passed on the first day of class.  They will learn the rules of racing, strategies, and course tactics.  Activities on the water will consist mainly of racing drills and practice races.  Younger students under approximately 120 lbs. will sail in Optimists. Students weighing 120-155 Lbs. are encouraged to sail in Laser Radials.  Student weighting over 155 lbs may sail in full rig Lasers.  This class will include a Summer Series and results will be posted after class.  At the end of the season, they will compete for the Halsey Island Regatta Trophy.  Members of the class may sign up on the substitute Crew List and experience weekend races aboard Thistles, Stars, and E-Scows.