Sign up now for the 2012 Season!
We'll be scheduling an Open House in the spring to give you an opportunity to visit our club, meet members and instructors, and learn about our programs and membership! Boats will be on display at the dock. Date and time to come.
Junior Sailing Program
Our Junior Sailing program is a fun, instructional program for kids 9 and above. Our goal is to instill a joy of sailing and to teach sailing and racing skills to the beginner, intermediate, and the more advanced sailor.
Download the application form and the rates and schedule.
If you would like more information, please see our frequently asked questions below or email Jenny Avellar at javellar31@netscape.net
Frequently Asked Questions
What do we teach?
Teamwork. Safety. Boating fundamentals. All aspects of sailing. And, best of all, how to have fun on the water.
What types of boats will they sail?
Beginner and intermediate sailors are taught in Hunter 140’s; once sailors have mastered sailing basics and are fully comfortable in the boat, they are eligible to move to the Vanguard 420s for further advancement of their skills and for racing.
Where are the classes held?
The sailing lessons start at the dock in front of the clubhouse. Students start by rowing up Frost Fish Cove and out to “The River” where the boats are docked. If they don’t know how to row, we teach them as this is a valuable lesson for anyone who wants to mess around in boats. From there, they will mainly spend time sailing in The River and Little Pleasant Bay. This is a great area to learn because it is protected yet open enough for favorable winds.
What does a typical day look like?
Every class starts with a white board lesson. Each student then grabs their gear, puts on their life jacket and heads to the dock. From there, they will row out to the entrance to our cove and the boat floats and moorings. Once underway, student sailors take turns crewing and skippering.
What happens if the weather is bad or if it’s too windy to sail?
On days that the weather doesn’t cooperate, we spend time in the club watching sailing videos, tying knots, and playing games but this is rare since we usually don’t let a little rain stop us.
Who are the Junior Program sailing instructors?
All sailing classes are taught by certified U.S. Sailing instructors, according to standards and guidelines set by the U.S. Sailing organization.
What are the requirements to attend?
Each sailor should know how to swim and want to try sailing. That’s all.
What does my kid need to bring?
Each sailor should bring a lifejacket, sunscreen, a hat, water shoes, shorts or bathing suit and a t-shirt. They should also plan to bring a towel and water.
What about on-water emergencies?
All of our instructors are trained in first aid and CPR. All instructor boats carry lifesaving rings, first aid kits, and VHF radios. Plus the Orleans Harbormaster keeps a boat only minutes away in Meetinghouse Pond.
Are there any other events the kids can participate in?
We also host a supervised “kid’s only” cookout every Tuesday from 6-8 p.m.
How and when can I sign my kid up?
We accept applications starting in spring throughout the summer until the classes are full. Click here for our registration form. To check on availability, email Jenny at javellar31@netscape.net
How do I reach the clubhouse?
Click here for link to Google Maps.
Other stuff
Please be sure to pass along the good word about our junior sailing program to friends and relatives. Word of mouth is our best form of advertising!
Don't forget your NSA t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and sailing bags! Purchase at the club during the summer on Mondays and Fridays from 11:45 am until 1pm. All proceeds benefit the Junior Sailing Program.
Check the Calendar for Junior Sailing Program fundraising events - summer raffle, Squaredance with silent auction and more!