The goal of our program is to offer a fun and safe summer experience as the students learn and practice good seamanship and goodsportsmanship. All sailors are required to provide their own USCG-approved life jacket which must be worn during class. All sailors should wear clothing designed for getting wet and staying warm. We strongly suggest that SPF 30 or higher sunscreen be applied before class.

Opti 1 (five 3-hour classes per 2-week session)

The Opti 1 class is offered for children 7 to 10 years of age who have little or no prior sailing experience. Students meet at the Yacht Club for instruction in subjects such as sailing terminology, basic seamanship, knot-tying and how to rig their sailboats. They sail 8-foot Optimist sailing prams in the protected waters of the Kennebunk River basin. Students must pass a swim test and be comfortable in and around the water. Because this is only a 2-week class, we suggest that the class be repeated at least once, especially for younger sailors.

The Opti 2 class is offered for children who have successfully completed Opti 1 at least once or have had other comparable sailing instructionand are ready to advance their sailing skills. Students sail 8-foot Optimist sailing prams in the ocean in front of Gooches Beach, near the mouth of the Kennebunk River. Students must pass a swim test, be confident of their basic sailing skills and be comfortable in and around the water.

The 420s class is offered for children 11 and upwho have successfully completed Opti 2, as well as older children without prior sailing experience. Students without prior sailing experience must be comfortable in and around the water. All students must pass a swim test and meet the weight requirement for handling their boat. They will sail 14-foot Club 420 2-person sailboats in the ocean in front of Gooches Beach, near the mouth of the Kennebunk River. On occasion they may also sail 8-foot Optimist prams. Students will learn the basics of competitive racing and may travel with an instructor to other Maine yacht clubs to race. Transportation to racing sites is provided by the sailors’ parents via carpool.

Please note:

• Payment should be sent with completed registration and medical forms.
• Space is limited and placement in a class is not guaranteed until you receive confirmation by mail/email.
• The classes are non-refundable due to limited space.
• The Head Sailing Instructor reserves the right to place a junior sailor in the appropriate class of instruction.

For more information call Claire Julian at 967-9828 or email cajulian@gwi.net.