Membership Cruise Keelboat Racing Smallboat Racing Junior Camps High School Learn to Sail Club Info Facility Screwpile Lighthouse Challenge Member Login

Welcome to the

SMSA Junior Sailing Program

Classes

Class FAQs

Form Downloads

What to Bring

Register!

2023 Sailing Classes



May 4, 2023, Update: We have secured adequate staffing. Yippee! Camp registration is now open for current SMSA Members (Young Adult, Regular, and Emeritus). Public registration will open 15 May. Camp will run from 10 July to 11 Aug

The Boats We Sail

Opti

Optimist (Opti)

This sailboat is designed for the beginner sailor to learn the fundamentals of sailing. It is a single-handed dinghy which allows the sailor to experience steering the boat as well as trimming the sail. Students over 15 are not recommended.

420

420

The 420 sailboat is a two-person boat that can be sailed by a novice sailor or advanced racer. Sailors will be allowed to try both the crew and Skipper position in the boat. Students 12 or older, over 80lbs, or are at least 4’6” tall are encouraged to try this boat.

Holder20

Holder 20

Although the Holder 20 boat is not usually used during the SMSA summer camp, it is an excellent boat to teach basic sailing skills and introduce students to larger boat racing. The Holder can hold up to 4 students and may be used periodically throughout the summer or with the adult sail classes.

 

Which class is right for you?

Sail training class eligibility is based off student age and sailing experience. 

See the below chart to determine which classes you and your child are eligible to attend.

Adult Lean to Sail class open to SMSA members only.

Ages

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

Adult

 

 

Opti

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

420

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adult Learn to Sail

 

 




Opti
Monday through Friday
9:00am to 4:00pm

Tuition: $325*

*Non-members pay an additional one-time $78 fee per student for 2023 Junior Membership


Register!


Age: 8-12 years old

Our Optimist (Opti) classes offer instruction for beginner or intermediate students by introducing basic seamanship including rigging, steering, and the fundamentals of sailing. Emphasis is placed on safety, learning, and fun. Students are introduced to water safety through classroom and on the water activities in the format of levels. This allows the sailor to learn at their own pace and find confidence in their sailing skills.

Activities include:
-Rigging and derigging
-Sailing upwind and downwind
-Knot tying
-Capsize recovery drill
-Proper seating and tiller handling
-Points of sail and wind direction
-Basic boat rules of the road
-Man overboard drill


420
Monday through Friday
9:00am to 4:00pm

Tuition: $325*


*Non-members pay an additional one-time $78 fee per student for 2023 Junior Membership


Register!



Age: 12 - 16 years old

Our 420 class is for the beginner or intermediate sailor who wants to improve their sailing skills. The class emphasizes improving the students' basic skills of seamanship while fostering a love for the sport through fun activities. This course encourages sailors to improve their skills and gain confidence by graduating through various levels at their own pace.

Activities includes:
-Rigging and derigging
-Getting out of irons
-Sailing upwind and downwind
-Knot tying
-Capsize recovery drill
-Proper seating and tiller handling
-Points of sail and wind direction
-Basic bot rules of the road
-Man overboard drill


Adult Learn to Sail


Course Dates:
TBD



Open to SMSA Members*. 
Register Here!
Not a Member?  Join Now!

*Regular, Young Adult, & Emeritus Memberships

Age: 16 and up

 Our Adult Sailing program is taught on Sunfish, 420s, and small keel boats.  This course focuses on the fundamentals of small boat sailing.  The course is open to any sailor interested in learning or improving their small boat sailing skills.