ST. CROIX YACHT CLUB
SUMMER SAILING PROGRAM
Class Descriptions
Sea Squirts Class:
Ages: 5-8
Boat: Variety
Prerequisite: none
The Sea Squirt program is designed to introduce young sailors to fun and safety in, around and on the water. The goal of this course is to build young sailor's love for sailing in a controlled and safe environment. The class is designed to work with the children at the level that they are comfortable with. Activities build confidence and include sailing, knot tying, nautical terminology, crafts, songs, water activities and "messing about in boats". We emphasize the importance of teamwork, respect, and safety in daily lessons. Our number one goal is to pass on our passion for the sport to the next generation of St. Croix Sailors
Optimist Class:
Ages: 8-15
Boat: Optimist
Prerequisite: none
The Optimist is the largest sailboat class in the world. This is the sailboat that nearly all of the greatest sailors in the world learn to sail. It is an 8ft boat sailed by just one person. You learn all the basics of sailing; upwind, downwind, tacking gybing, tying knots, sail trim, steering, bailing water out of the boat, rigging, derigging, teamwork, safety etc. The Course introduces the student to the sport of sailing, starting from the very basics. Optimist intermediate class will hone in on the sailors skills: docking, man0-overboard recovery, speed control and the basics of sailboat racing
Sunfish Class:
Ages: 9-18
Boat: Sunfish
Prerequisite: Completion of Optimist
Attractive to novice and experienced sailors alike, this self bailing boat natural progression from the Optimist. In the Sunfish course, sailors will learn the ins and outs of how to rig the Sunfish. A review of points of sail and steering will expand our young sailors’ knowledge beyond the Optimist and into the world of bigger boats. With a larger sail area, and a boat conducive to 2, participants will be exposed to the positions of Captain and Crew. In the Sunfish Intermediate course, sailors will build on their racing knowledge and continue to work on executing, starts and understanding the race course strategy. After completing this course, SCYC has seen its sailors go as far as youth Olympics! From Sunfish Introduction, sailors advance to Sunfish Intermediate or Club 420. From Sunfish Intermediate sailors may move into the Club 420.
Club 420 Class:
Ages: 11-18
Boat: Club 420
Prerequisite: Completion of Sunfish Intermediate
Weight: 90lbs+ Height:4’10”+
The standard in High School and Collegiate Racing, this 2-person boat is used as a high level racing boat with trapeze and spinnaker. The SCYC Club 420 Introduction course will focus on transitioning sailors into a faster, more technical sailing vessel. Focus on rigging, and boat-handling, team work, docking, capsize recoveries and man-overboard skills. Sailors will have the opportunity to try out the position of “Skipper” and “Crew” and develop a comfort for both. Trap and Spinnakers will be introduced in the second week of the Introduction course along with the basics of sailboat racing. The Intermediate course will hone the skills of Trapeze and spinnaker work as well
Club 420 Advance Class:
Ages: 11-18
Boat: Club 420
Prerequisite: Completion of Club 420
Weight: 90lbs+ Height:4’10”+
Club 420 Racing session will focus on the finer points of boat-handling, race strategy, starts, and the use of the trapeze and spinnaker. This racing session is perfect for the new high school sailor who wants to further develop their 420 skills, or experienced racers just looking for more water time. Summer offers the opportunity for High School sailors to gain more experience in “Trap & Chute” and possibly travel to state-side junior sailing events. During our 2 weeks, we will continue to develop racing experience, and team building. An emphasis on competitive development will be the base for each lesson. Regatta attendance in the fall and spring will be encouraged.