Beginner Optimist (Ages 8 ‐11)

This course will teach the basics of rigging a boat, basic boat handling, sailing fundamentals, seamanship (knots, weather, etc.), sportsmanship, and water safety. Instruction is done in Optimists with two sailors/boat.

The goals of this class are to:
‐ be able to rig and de‐rig an Optimist
‐ know the points of sail
‐ be able to label all the parts of the boat
‐ be comfortable steering the boat and trimming the sail
‐ be able to leave the dock and return
‐ be able to tack and gybe safely
‐ be able to capsize and recover
‐ know starboard vs. port and windward vs. leeward
‐ know how to tie knots (figure‐8, square, bowline)

 

Intermediate Optimist (Ages 9 ‐12)

This course is designed for sailors who have completed Beginner Optimist. This course is for those sailors that want to continue their skill progression. Instruction is done in an Optimist, with 1 sailor/ boat. By completion, sailors will be able to sail on all points of sail in most wind speeds, know all parts of the boat, and basic knots. You will be expected to know and perform all goals learned in Beginner Optimist class.

The  goals of this class are to: 

‐ to get comfortable sailing an Optimist solo

‐ be able to rig and de‐rig and Optimist solo

‐ know all the parts of the boats‐ know and be able to sail on all points of sail

‐ be able to steer and trim the sail properly

‐ be able to leave the dock and return

‐ be able to capsize and recover

‐ have an understanding of the basic rules of: safety, fair sailing and right of way

‐ know how to tie knots

‐ be able to sail around a course

 

Adventure Sailing (Ages 11 ‐ 14)

This program is designed for the sailors who love sailing and want to be on the water but aren’t necessarily interested in racing. Adventure Sailing includes sailing several different types of boats including; 420s, JY 15s, O’Pen Bics, along with using our stand‐up paddleboards and kayaks, and much more. 

The goals of this class are to:

 ‐ have fun

‐ get comfortable being in and around the water in a variety of boats

‐ know the points of sail

‐ be able to steer and trim sails properly

‐ be able to leave the dock and return

‐ be able to capsize and recover

‐ know the basic rules and safety

‐ know how to tie knots

‐ learn the local geography and waterways

 

Advanced/ Beginner 420 (Ages 12-15)

This course is for older and larger sailors who are new to sailing, or younger sailors with some experience but who are new to the 420. The course includes basics of rigging a 420, basic boat handling, seamanship (knots, weather, etc.), sportsmanship, and water safety.

The goals of this class are to:

‐ be able to rig and de‐rig a 420

‐ know how to capsize and recover

‐ know the points of sail

‐ be able to safely sail your boat with 2 people

‐ be able to steer and trim the sail properly

‐ be able to leave the dock and return

‐ treat the person you are sailing with respect

‐ be able to trim the jib properly

‐ be able to tack and gybe safely

‐ know basic rules and safety

‐ know how to tie knots

 

Discovery Camp (Ages 7-11)

This program seeks to provide an opportunity for community youths to experience the different wonders of the Shark River. The program combines recreational sailing and kayaking excursions with environmental education and more. Campers can get a feel for the sport of sailing, without the pressure of an instructional program. We will learn about the beautiful Shark River, the different ways we interact with it, and what we can do to keep it enjoyable for everybody.

Some of the many possible activities include:

- Kayaking

- Eco-Arts and Crafts

- Introduction to Sailing on Hobie Wave or Hobie Getaway

- River Tours on the pontoon boat

- Beach Clean-Up

- Wildlife Watch

- Swimming

 

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