A fun way for kids to learn to sail
To register for any ASF course, click the icon:
You’ll be guided through the sign-up process, including a medical questionnaire and legal release. If there are questions on the medical release that you’re unable to answer, just indicate that in the blank with a “DK.”
Both the Opti 1 and Opti 2 classes are scheduled to begin in March.
Kids’ Introduction to Sailing: Focus is on learning the basics—parts of the boat, making the boat go, safety on the water. Short on-shore sessions followed by sailing in the Optimist. And to have fun doing it! Total time 2½ hours, including rigging.
Dates for the Spring 2012 classes:4 Mar, 11 Mar, 18 Mar, 8 Apr, 15 Apr with a weather make-up day (if needed) on 29 Apr. A swim test will be conducted at the lake on the first day. Click here for a printable flyer.
About the class: Optimist boats will be provided by ASF. The teacher is a US Sailing Certified Small Boat Instructor. The class is for kids 8-12 and no experience is required. Class size is limited to 12.
You’ll need to provide your own PFD (life jacket). (Here’s a good beginner’s consumer’s guide to PFDs, from REI.) Everyone will take a very simple swim test in the lake at the start of class to make sure they’re comfortable in the water. The cost for Opti 1 or Opti 2 is $195/student.
The goal in Opti 1 is to learn how to sail around a course (floating marks), to sail comfortably in wind up to 15 mph, and to understand safety techniques. Once the kids have these skills, they’ll be ready to move up to Opti 2, which provides more advanced instruction on boat balance and speed, as well as general sailing skills practice.
Times: Opti 1 typically starts at 1pm on Sunday afternoons, followed by Opti 2 at 3:30. Opti 2 students are expected to be ready to sail at 3:30, which means rigged, launched and ready on the dock! Opti 2 finishes around 5:30.
Head Instructor: Natalie Harper
And remember, AYC Members may be able to receive a $50 scholarship for a child to attend an ASF Junior class. Fill out this form, attach a written paragraph or drawing and return it to the AYC Commodore for consideration.
