Frequently Asked Questions

Juniors:

How old do I have to be to participate in programs?
Any age, just do the swim check.

What is the swim check?
You must swim 100 yards, (75 front or side power stroke, 25 resting back stroke), tread water for 2 minutes, and demonstrate the ability to float.

Where can I do the swim check?
At a local pool and have a lifeguard write a note on pool letterhead, or take the test at the pier, or bring your swimming merit badge card or Red Cross Intermediate or above card, or YMCA fish or above card.

What else do I need to do before I can sail?
You need to complete your membership application, including emergency information, swim check information, and waiver of liability.

I don’t know how to sail—what do I do?
After swim check, sign up for a weekly class. Call or stop down to sign up.

I completed level one class, or I have experience, what can I do now?
With level one, you know how to sail the Optimist. Sign up for level two or three class to learn sail trim, and running more than one sail. Level three grads are Soling rated.

What if I just want to sail?
You can sail with others rated to sail boats, after the swim check, or with your parent or guardian. Once you complete classes, you will be rated for specific boats. These can be used anytime during program hours.

Adults:

I am, or I know someone who can’t afford the membership fees—what can we do?
There is financial aid available upon request. It is our mission to provide community wide sailing experiences...regardless of financial means.

What do I do to get started?
You can sign up for a clinic and join in a group of 3 to 6 people and begin learning. Clinics last about 2 hours. You may repeat clinics to get more guided practice and to improve your skills. It may take more than one experience to be successful with the skills learned in a clinic.

I’ve done my application and orientation clinic. What do I do now?
Now you can sail with another sailor rated to sail specific boats.

How do I become rated for a particular boat?
You must complete 3 boat specific clinics: 1) rigging 2) launching and landing 3) sailing. Successful completion for a particular boat will rate you for that boat.

When are adult clinics?
We hold clinics regularly, whenever there’s a need for it. Call the pier to sign up.

Are there any other clinics?
Yes. We offer clinics on topics such as advanced sail trim, racing starts, roll tacking, spinnaker, large boat handling, and cruising topics.

 

Can I take a friend sailing who is not a member?
Yes and no. For insurance/liability purposes, technically only “members” can sail on our boats. However, one-day and junior memberships are priced so anybody can join. We allow waivers for financial hardships, and there may be exceptions for special community days, etc. Regardless of membership status, we must have a signed liability waiver before anybody is allowed on a boat.