This Camp is intended for 7 and 8 year olds with no sailing school experience. The Optimist is a light boat, easily handled by the younger, light child. The emphasis is on fun on and off the water, rather than the mechanics of sailing. If your child is 7 or 8 years old and has never attended sailing school before, please enroll them in this program.
This program is designed for children who have completed White Sail level 2 successfully, but are not yet strong enough, or heavy enough, to handle a 420 dinghy in the Bronze program. Students learn the elements of racing the Optimist. The Optimist dinghy has a strong class association, and students in this program will be challenged enough to keep them interested.
This program focuses on gradually improving a students sailing skills. As students progress through levels 1, 2 and 3, they become comfortable in handling the boat in stronger winds and higher waves, but are still restricted to good weather conditions. The courses are taught in either the stable, lightweight Optimist dinghy, or the faster, heavier CL 14 dinghy. The Optimist is used for White Levels I and II only.
At these levels, students learn the elements of sailing faster, more complex boats, including the use of a spinnaker. Students are introduced to racing. The programs are taught using the Club 420 dinghy.
In this course, the emphasis is entirely on racing competitively, and the course is taught by a specialized Racing Coach. Students must supply their own boat - usually a Laser or Byte dinghy. Parents and students intending to take the course should discuss the types of boat used with the Rear Commodore of Training or the Racing Coach while taking the final Bronze course.
Students enrolled in the Silver / Gold program are given a BHYC Jr. Membership for the summer. Dinghy storage in the BHYC compound for the boat used in the program is included with a Jr. Membership. A Jr. Membership can be extended by joining BHYC’s After School Training program. Students have the option of joining 2 after school sessions: Spring (early May till start of sailing school) and Fall (end of sailing school till Thanksgiving.) Training program description here.
Since students attend several regattas on weekends, a considerable time commitment is needed from both students and their parents. The BHYC Junior Racing Team is made up of students from the Silver/Gold program. With regard to all regattas, parents' assistance will be required taking the students to and from the regattas and providing supervision for the students when they are not racing. Please read Lee Scott's A Parent's Perspective
Participants will be taught based on levels as prescribed by the CYA starting with the introductory White Sail level using the club’s 420s and CL14s
Sailors learn basic terminology (i.e. parts of the boat), knots and rules of the water during on-land instruction and activities. On the water, they work on boat safety, handling skills, docking and sail controls. Instruction takes place using the club’s 420s and CL 14s
For individuals who have mastered the fundamentals and wish to develop their knowledge of sail theory and trim, and learn the basics of sailboat racing. Additional advanced instruction based on the CYA Bronze Sail curriculum may be provided if appropriate.
Evening and Weekend sessions are available.
Similar to the dinghy program, Keelboat Learn to Sail is based on the CYA White Sail curriculum. Students learn both ashore and in the club’s 24 ft Sharks. Class sizes are limited to 8 people per session. Keelboat Learn to Sail is offered week-day evenings
This course is ideal for both new sailors and those with some dinghy experience who want to acquire and develop the skills required on larger boats. Instruction is on the club’s 24’ Sharks. Upon completion, you should be able to sail a keelboat up to 35 feet safely in moderate wind and sea conditions.
Students will have the opportunity to write the Pleasure Craft Operators Card during this course for an additional fee. CYA Basic Cruising logbook and course book are included in the cost and will be mailed to you prior to the course starting. Learn to Cruise is a two-weekend course.