JUNIOR SAILING PROGRAMS

The Rocky Point Sailing Program is available to members and non-members between the ages of 6 and 17. Whether you are just starting out with Little Puffs or an experienced racer, we have something for everyone! Summer 2024 will offer a six-week sailing program, plus one additional week in August. Members must register by May 15th.

Junior Sailing Program - June 24th to August 2nd (Class times are subject to change based on registrations and aquatic scheduling)

Little Puffs (6 - 8 years old)

This class is a great introduction for first-time sailors. Small groups will be exposed to sailing on an Ideal 18 with an instructor onboard each boat. Young sailors will learn safety and good boating habits on the water with supervised tiller time.

Tuesdays - Fridays, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm (no class on swim meet days)


Opti 1 (8 - 11 years old)

Opti 1 is geared toward learning to sail a small boat on your own. Sailors will learn the basics of sailing, including how to rig and maneuver a boat independently. As confidence grows and basic sailing skills are attained, these sailors will be encouraged to participate in the Rocky regattas.

Mondays, 9:25 am - 12:10 pm

Tuesdays - Fridays, 1:00 - 4:00 pm

 

Opti 2 Racing Team (10 - 15 years old)

For those eager to get out on the water and have fun, Opti 2 students will learn more advanced sailing skills, including racing rules, strategy, and tactics. These sailors are strongly encouraged to participate in the Ice Cream Cup regattas at Rocky, as well as those at local clubs.

Requirement: Master Opti 1 skills

Mondays, 9:05 am - 11:50 am

Tuesdays - Fridays, 1:45 - 4:45 pm

 

Feva & Laser 4.7/Radial (12 - 17 years old)

More experienced sailors will enjoy sailing fast moving double-handed Fevas and Lasers. Classes will focus on sailing drills, heel control, basic aerodynamics, sail shape controls and self-rescue techniques. These sailors are strongly encouraged to participate in local regattas.

Requirements: Master Opti 2 skills and meet minimum weight guidance

Mondays, 9:05 am - 11:50 am

Tuesdays - Fridays, 1:30 - 4:30 pm

 

August Voyages (6 - 17 years old): August 5th to August 8th

This week will serve as a continuation of the full summer program for some and an opportunity for first time sailors of all ages to get out on the water. After preliminary registrations, we will communicate and group the participants based on age and prior experience. Please note we will align with aquatics to avoid potential swim lesson conflicts. Estimate a 3 hour window of time for four days.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday- August 5th to August 9th

Exact time slots will be catered to the participants, example; 9:30 to 12:30 or 1:30 to 4:30 pm - $165 member

Calendar (Tentative - subject to change.  Please note JSA Regattas will be loaded when available)

Required for the first day of class

●      All sailors must have on file the Rocky Liability and Medical Release form

●      USCG-approved life vest with attached whistle

●      Closed-toe water shoes (no flip flops)

●      Sun shirt

●      Sunblock

●      Hat

●      Water bottle

●      Sunglasses with leash (recommended but not required)

Program Fees

Member fees are billed directly to your account. Non-members can pay the club directly via check prior to the start of the sailing program.

Non-member sailors

Junior Sailing is available to non-members between the ages of 6 and 17 on a space-available basis and subject to non-member rates. Please email jrsailing@rockypointclub.com with the name, age and sailing class of interest.

JSALIS Membership

All junior sailors are required to have a membership in the Junior Sailing Association of the Long Island Sound (JSALIS) at the cost of $75 for the first child, $100 for two children, and $125 for three or more children. These fees will be billed to your Rocky account. For more information and to register visit: https://jsalis.org/parents/roster-registration.

Boats

Opti 1, Opti 2, Feva & Laser classes require the sailor to have their own boat or rent one. You may request to rent a Rocky Optimist or Feva during the registration process and oversubscribed boats will be allocated by lottery. Boat Locker in Bridgeport, CT is also a great resource for summer boat rentals and will deliver to the club. Please contact Boat Locker directly for the latest pricing.

Equipment Maintenance and Repair

All boats and sailing equipment must pass safety check-in with one of Rocky’s sailing instructors before they can be used in the program. Please see the calendar for scheduled times. Junior sailors are responsible for their own equipment during the sailing season. Sailors who have rented boats from Rocky’s fleet are responsible for the care of their boat to class expectations. They are also responsible for notifying the instructors of breakage or damage. Sailors and their parents are ultimately responsible for the equipment.

Swim Test

All new and returning sailors must complete a swim test before the start of the program. This involves swimming from the Rocky Point docks to the first set of buoys and back while wearing a USCG-approved life vest with an attached whistle. While treading water, the sailors will also take off their life jackets, tread water for an additional one minute and then put their life jackets back on while in the water. It is mandatory that your child pass the swim test before participation in the program. Please see the calendar for scheduled times.

Regatta Preparation
Junior sailors may participate in JSA sponsored regattas for which they qualify by age, experience, and area. Rocky Point Club is in JSA Area B. A regatta fee is required for each race that each sailor chooses to enter. The Sailing Program Director will determine which sailors are eligible for each regatta. JSA sponsored regattas are done on ClubSpot. Parents are responsible for setting up a profile for each sailor and registering for each regatta.

Parents/guardians are responsible for transporting their children and their boats to any regattas that they attend. Instructors cannot drive junior sailors. At least one adult per participating boat must be present to facilitate preparation and registration prior to a regatta at the regatta venue and facilitate the proper derigging and breakdown of boats and equipment after a regatta at the regatta venue.

Optimists and Lasers can be transported on top of cars. Fevas must be transported by trailer. Boat trailers are considered a part of the vehicle to which they are attached. Make sure that your automobile liability insurance covers the trailer. All sailors and parents, including those renting Rocky boats, are responsible for making sure the boats and rigs, if applicable, are properly secured onto the trailer or vehicle for transport. All other equipment must be transported by car to the regatta venue.

At regattas, parents and friends are welcome to watch the race from a distance on the water. Spectators must be careful not to create wakes or windage and must stay well clear of the racecourse. The Racing Rules of Sailing prohibit outside assistance of any kind during a race, and regatta rules may require that non-racers stay well-clear between races as well.

To access the full JSA of LIS calendar please go to the JSA website at www.jsalis.org

and click on Calendar at the top of the home page. Please refer to the following Regatta Preparation Guide for an overview of responsibilities on regatta days.

Weather Policy

We will make every effort to hold junior sailing classes on all scheduled program days, but the weather is unpredictable. Prior to each class, the head sailing instructor will consult with our waterfront staff to determine if it is safe for our sailors to head out on the water. On days with too much/too little wind or threat of a storm, junior sailors will participate in dryland lessons and/or sailing-related arts & crafts or games. On very hot days please be sure to send enough water and a reusable water bottle to be refilled throughout the day. Please be sure to check the weather daily and send any clothing or gear items your child may need.

Private Lessons

Rocky offers private lesson opportunities at the cost of $80 per hour. Please contact the Sailing Program Director to schedule.

  

Questions?

jrsailing@rockypointclub.com

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