KYC Junior Youth Sailing School KSEA Blue Hill Maine

Calendar
The sailing school program is held in 4 sessions each as follows: Session 1: July 4 to July 15, Session 2: July 18 to July 29, Session 3: August 1 to August 12, and Session 4: August 15 to August 19 (one week only). If possible a student should attend at least 2 sessions. Even if you are unsure whether your child will want to attend the second of two sessions, it is best to register for it and withdraw at the time if necessary. Please see the Registration page for our refund policy. Classes fill up and no exceptions will be made when a class is full. Boat ownership does not guarantee a spot in a class.

Class Placement
Students progress through the levels of sailing class at different rates. It is expected and desirable that a student spend a number of sessions at a given level before moving on to the next. All class placements will be determined by the instructor.

Racing
Participation in racing teaches important sailing skills. Some racing, in a fun and non-competitive atmosphere, is incorporated into all classes. For the advanced sailor who does not want to race competitively, Advanced Opti and Cruising 420 classes are appropriate.

Race Teams
Opti and 420 race teams are for experienced and eager racers. Team membership is determined by the instructor. Team members will train at KYC and travel as a team to compete in a number of local, regional and national regattas throughout the summer. Race Team is best considered a single session of 8 weeks.Participation for a shorter time is at the option of the instructor, and must be coordinated with the travel and training schedule. Parents will be expected to volunteer time to help organize and carry out the travel plans. The cost of regatta registration and travel expenses will be in addition to the class fee. Scholarships are available. For the Opti race team boat ownership is strongly encouraged.

Race Days
Wednesday race days are part of the week’s curriculum. Confident beginners and intermediate sailors will compete in Green Fleet racing in the morning; advanced Opti and 420 sailors and race teams will race in the afternoons. Wednesday student races will count as series races and prizes will be awarded based on individual scoring.

Special Events
On the first Thursday of each session there will be a pot luck dinner at the club for parents, sailors and instructors. Watch the calendar for other events like the Long Island Picnic and Pirate Day.

Safety
Your child’s safety is our highest priority. You will be given drop-off and pick-up procedures on the first day of class; please follow these procedures and avoid allowing children to walk in the parking lot. Please pick your child up promptly. Life jackets that are appropriate for sailing and properly sized are required at all times on dock, floats and boats. Lifejackets must have waterproof whistles attached by a short tether. No bare feet or flipflops are permitted. Every child must pass a swim test on the first day of class. Safe behavior on docks, floats and boats is required: no pushing or rough play will be tolerated.

Boats
Students will use either their own Optimist, a club-owned boat or a boat owned by another family. In all cases students will be responsible for the proper treatment of the equipment and for any damage caused by reckless behavior or neglect. See the Boats page for a full statement of boat use policy and procedures.

Clothing and Equipment
Life jackets are required. Students should bring a duffel or backpack with a towel, bathing suit, change of clothing and jacket or slicker. Hats and eyeglasses should be secured. Sailors must accept responsibility for lost personal items.