Do we have to be members to sail or play tennis?
Our Junior Program is open to non-members. As an adult, members and non members are both welcome in our keelboat classes. Additionally, races are open to guest crew, and some are open to guest boats. More info here, or feel free to email. For anyone with kids enrolled that are interested in membership, there are typically incentives available to those with kids in the programs, but again there is no requirement to be a member to be a part of our Junior Programs.
Is financial assistance available?
Yes, scholarships are available in the summer due to the generous support of the Junior Program Foundation (JPF). Applications can be found here. Financial assistance is also available in the spring and fall seasons. We strive to make sure that income is not a barrier to sailing in our community.
Do we need to have our own boat to participate?
No, absolutely not, we provide all boats for our classes, and for regattas for our racers.
Do I need specialized equipment for Sailing?
In short, no. We ask each summer sailor to bring the following:
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Sunscreen
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Towel
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Water (reusable bottle please)
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A dry change of clothes
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Sunglasses with a strap/float
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Bathing suit
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Hat or visor
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A warm layer
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Appropriate footwear. (We recommend closed toe, captured heel shoes)
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Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD). Ideally with a whistle securely attached. (If you do not already have one, we have plenty we are happy to lend)
For our spring and fall sailors, a bit more is required, but we still strive to provide as much as possible, providing drysuits to all sailors and lending boots, gloves, and lifejackets to those in need. Here are some more details:
How do I know what level to sign my sailor up for?
One of the things about our program that we are most proud of is trying to have a class level and a boat that is right for everyone. If you have any questions about where to sign a sailors up, please reach out to the sailing director here. Please know that we always reserve the right to move sailors up or down based once we see them on the water. Our goal is to keep them learning and having fun.
We strive to sail in any conditions that are safe, and to cancel sailing as infrequently as possible. If it is raining, windy, foggy, etc. we will make the call if a group will be sailing (and if so for how long) based on a multitude of factors, including sailor age and level. If it is thundering and lightning we will not be sailing. For groups that do not go out on the water, or do not go out on the water for the full time due to weather, we will have shore based activities and lessons. While rare, we do occasionally cancel classes due to severe weather. If we do, we will email participants and post to our Facebook page.